Federal Cabinet Approves Establishment of Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company to Boost Vocational Training
In a significant move aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education in Pakistan, the federal cabinet has approved the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday. This new entity will play a pivotal role in implementing various technical and vocational training programs across the country, providing young Pakistanis with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company is envisioned as a central platform that will coordinate and oversee a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving the employability of the workforce. By focusing on skill enhancement, the government aims to address the gap between the education system and the demands of the labor market. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth by equipping the youth with practical skills that align with industry needs.
During the cabinet meeting, several other important decisions were also made. One of the key approvals was for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan. This MoU is intended to foster cooperation in the rapidly growing field of e-commerce, potentially opening up new avenues for trade between the two countries. The collaboration is expected to boost bilateral trade and economic ties, particularly in the digital economy.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the transfer of operations of the King Hamad University of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences to the National University of Medical Sciences. This decision, recommended by the Ministry of National Health Services, aims to enhance the quality of medical education and training in the country. By bringing the operations under the purview of a leading medical university, the government hopes to raise the standards of nursing and medical sciences education in Pakistan.
The cabinet was also briefed on the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Mubarak Sani case. In response to the verdict, the federal government, under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The decision to file the petition followed extensive discussions in the National Assembly. The Attorney General of Pakistan is scheduled to present arguments before the Supreme Court on Thursday, drawing upon the perspectives of religious scholars and the recommendations of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice.
In his remarks during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on other provincial governments to emulate Punjab’s example and introduce power relief packages in their respective regions. He highlighted the recent relief package announced by the Punjab government for electricity consumers using between 200 to 500 units per month. The package, worth Rs 45 billion, is funded entirely by the provincial budget, with no financial contribution from the federal government. The Prime Minister urged other provinces to utilize funds provided through the National Finance Commission (NFC) to offer similar relief to their citizens.
The establishment of the Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company, along with the other decisions taken by the federal cabinet, reflects the government’s commitment to economic development, public welfare, and the empowerment of Pakistan’s youth. These initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s socioeconomic landscape, driving progress and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.
