Parwaaz Card ceremony
23 Jun
Press Release, Uncategorized

PSDF | Parwaaz Card Sends Off 135 Skilled Youth to Saudi Arabia

LAHORE: Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that that the youth going abroad for employment would not merely be workers but ambassadors of Pakistan.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Lahore in honour of 135 youth departing for Saudi Arabia under the Parwaaz card initiative, CM said that providing quality vocational training to the youth of Punjab is her dream, which is being transformed into reality by Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) under the supervision of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SD&ED), Punjab Taskforce on Skill Development Chairman Adnan Afzal Chattha, and Secretary SD&ED Nadir Chattha.


The ceremony was attended by senior officials from SD&ED and PSDF including CEO PSDF Ahmed Khan, recruitment partners, representatives of the Bank of Punjab (BOP), overseas employment promoters and the Parwaaz card beneficiaries.

Interacting with the participants, Maryam Nawaz Shaif inquired about their experience with the Parwaaz Card Scheme and told them, “When you travel abroad under this program you will represent Pakistan. The country that has empowered you deserves to be portrayed positively in front of the world.”


She said her vision extends beyond Punjab and that she wants to ensure the provision of vocational training opportunities to young people across all provinces where there is a need for skills development, enabling them to access better employment opportunities in global markets.


Addressing the selected candidates, the CM described them as responsible representatives of the country.

“I want to see you off as a mother would bid farewell to her children. Just as you feel safe in Pakistan, I hope you remain safe in the countries where you have secured jobs and continue to make your country proud,” she said.


During the ceremony, Chairman of the Punjab Taskforce on Skill Development Adnan Afzal Chattha briefed the CM that 135 young people had secured placements in Saudi Arabia under the Parwaaz card program. The placements cover various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, construction and other industries.


He said that, in line with CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SD&ED) is actively equipping Punjab’s youth with market-driven vocational and professional skills to help them secure dignified employment opportunities both within Pakistan and abroad.


The first batch comprises 105 candidates selected for jobs in the hospitality sector, particularly in Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), and 30 candidates who have secured employment in the construction sector. Their departures to Saudi Arabia will begin from June 28.


Implemented by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) under the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SD&ED), the Parwaaz card scheme provides beneficiaries with interest-free pre-departure financing and workplace readiness training to facilitate safe, legal and dignified overseas employment for the youth of Punjab.


At the end of ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz distributed Parwaaz cards and interest-free loan cheques among the departing beneficiaries. The send-off ceremony is a part of the Parwaaz card scheme for international employment, launched by the Punjab government to expand overseas employment opportunities and boost remittance inflows.


Under the program, 45,000 deserving individuals are being provided with interest-free loans amounting to Rs6.867 billion. Individual financing ranges from Rs300,000 to Rs1 million and is intended to cover upfront expenses associated with overseas employment, including visas, air tickets, medical examinations, protectorate fees and other travel-related costs.

Balochistan TEVTA delegation visited PSDF to learn from Punjab's skills and training system
16 Jun
Press Release

Balochistan TEVTA delegation visited  PSDF to learn from Punjab’s skills and training system 

LAHORE: A 14-member delegation of the Balochistan Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (B-TEVTA), led by Managing Director Hamood Ur Rehman, paid a visit to the Punjab Skill Development Fund (PSDF) to learn from the province’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. 

The visit, part of an exposure tour to Punjab from 15 to 19 June 2026, was arranged so that the delegation could study how the province runs its skills sector; including the way institutions are brought together, how training quality is checked, how industry is engaged, and how trainees are linked to jobs. 

At PSDF, the Secretary Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Department (SD&ED), Nadir Chattha, briefed the members about the working of the department. The Secretary told the participants that the department had taken several steps to align the TVET sector with local and international job markets, with a strong focus on getting trainees placed in jobs. 

Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Skill Development, Adnan Afzal Chattha, welcomed the visiting delegation and shared how Punjab’s skills bodies were working together to train young people. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PSDF Ahmed Khan also briefed the guests on the Fund’s role in providing skills training across the province. 

During their stay, the delegation was scheduled to visit several leading training institutions in Punjab, meet the heads of the province’s main skills organizations and observe training being delivered to different groups including IT professionals and trainees from a range of backgrounds. 

Officials said the exposure visit reflected a healthy spirit of learning and cooperation between the two provinces, aimed at strengthening the skills sector and creating better job opportunities for young people across Pakistan. 

PSDF BOP Agreement Signing Parwaaz Card
10 Jun
Press Release

PSDF and Bank of Punjab Sign Agreement to Launch Parwaaz Card

LAHORE — PSDF and The Bank of Punjab (BOP) have signed an agreement to operationalize the Chief Minister’s Parwaaz Card Scheme for International Placement, facilitating financial access for 450,000 skilled youth seeking overseas employment opportunities.


The agreement was signed by BOP Chief Digital Officer, Nofel Daud and PSDF CEO, Ahmed Khan. This partnership establishes an outcome-based model designed to address the upfront costs associated with overseas employment for skilled youth in Punjab.


Under the scheme, eligible candidates in sectors including Construction, Retail, Caregiving, Hospitality, and allied sectors will access interest-free loans of up to PKR 1,000,000 to cover pre-departure expenses, enabling a smoother pathway to global employment. The initiative targets 45,000 loan beneficiaries over two years.


“With Parwaaz Card, Punjab is investing for the right of youth to access overseas employment opportunities, and strengthen the economy through foreign remittances,” said Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson, CM Punjab Taskforce on Skills Development.

“This intervention reflects Pakistan’s significant trained human export potential served as a key driver behind the development of Parwaaz Card,” added Nadir Chattha, Secretary, Skills Development & Employment Department (SD&ED)


Under the arrangement, PSDF will be responsible for applicant onboarding, facilitation, and coordination with Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs). Meanwhile BOP will manage KYC verification, loan appraisal, approval, disbursement, and repayment.


BOP President, Zafar Masud, said the bank was coordinating with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to explore early access to Roshan Digital Accounts for Parwaaz Card holders.


PSDF CEO, Ahmed Khan, stated: “With Parwaaz Card and our partnership with BOP, we are ensuring that the journey towards international placement is not interrupted by financial barriers.” BOP Chief Digital Officer, Nofel Daud, added: “With our lending infrastructure, we are creating a model that is not only impactful but sustainable.”


Together, this partnership builds the institutional architecture for a sustainable skills export ecosystem, connecting Punjab’s skilled talent pipeline directly to global demand, while creating a structured remittance corridor that returns lasting economic value to the province and the country.

PSDF MRC MoU Skilled Youth
21 Apr
Press Release

PSDF and Migrant Resource Centre Pakistan Partner to Strengthen Safe Migration Pathways

PSDF and the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) Pakistan have signed a MoU to build a coordinated framework for promoting safe, legal, and informed international migration among beneficiaries of the PSDF Parwaaz Card – a Chief Minister Punjab initiative under the Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan.

MRC will deliver pre-departure counselling sessions, awareness workshops, and one-on-one guidance on migration rights, documentation requirements, visa processes, and the risks of irregular migration. PSDF will identify and mobilize trained candidates for international employment opportunities, while facilitating access to pre-departure training and certifications where required.

The collaboration addresses a critical gap in Pakistan’s migration ecosystem: ensuring that skilled workers heading abroad are equipped not only with technical competency, but also with clear information on safe migration pathways, legal protections, and the support services available to them.

“By integrating migration governance and counselling, we are ensuring our beneficiaries transition to international employment with confidence and security,” said Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF.

Shazia Rafiq, Senior MRC Counsellor, added “This partnership exemplifies how government, international institutions, and civil society can work together to protect and empower migrants by embedding migration safety within skills training.”

As Pakistan continues to meet the growing demand for skilled talent in global markets, PSDF and MRC will work closely to ensure that prospective migrants carry not just in-demand skills, but also the awareness and support they need for a successful career overseas.

The partnership aims to strengthen sustainable employment outcomes for skilled workers while advancing Punjab’s vision of becoming a leading hub of globally competitive, export-ready human capital.

Qatar Employment | Tabeer
03 Oct
Press Release

65 Punjab Youth Secure Overseas Jobs as Lead Workers in  Qatar Under PSDF–Tabeer Program 

Flagship initiative of the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Program expected to generate nearly  USD 250,000 in annual remittances 

LAHORE: PSDF, through its Tabeer program, launched under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Program,has successfully facilitated overseas employment for more than 65 young Pakistanis, who received their job offer letters on Friday to begin work as Lead workers in Qatar. 

The placements mark a dual milestone; securing dignified, well-paying employment for Punjab’s youth while strengthening Pakistan’s broader economic resilience. 

Collectively, more than 65 workers in this batch are expected to contribute close to USD 250,000 annually in remittances, injecting much-needed foreign exchange into the economy, supporting households across the province,  and reinforcing Pakistan’s balance of payments. On average, each Pakistani worker abroad  sends home  an estimated USD 3,000- 5,000 a year, part of more than USD 32 billion in remittances Pakistan received last year. 

A model for skills-driven economic growth. The PSDF–Tabeer program is designed to connect Pakistani youth with overseas labour markets  through demand-driven training. The decision to place candidates specifically as Lead Workers reflects the program’s emphasis on preparing the workforce not only for employment, but for roles of responsibility and leadership abroad. 

Delivered by PSDF in collaboration with Alif – Recruitment C Manpower Solutions, the program ensures that participants are equipped with the right skills, certifications,  and job-readiness to meet international employer expectations. 

As one of the first large-scale initiatives focused on structured overseas placements, PSDF–Tabeer positions itself as more than a training program, it is a blueprint for channeling  Pakistan’s demographic dividend into the global labour market.  

“For us, this is not only about creating jobs but about transforming futures. Through PSDF–Tabeer, young Pakistanis are securing dignified, well-paying positions abroad, contributing to their families and to the economic strength of Pakistan,” said Ahmed Khan,  CEO, PSDF. 

“This milestone aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of exporting skilled workers to the Gulf region. 

It is only the beginning of what we aim to accomplish, as many more such opportunities are  in the  pipeline. The journey has just started, and there is a lot more to come,” added Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on  Skills Development. 

Through demand-driven programs such as Tabeer, PSDF works to unlock prosperity for individuals,  families, and the nation by aligning training with real market needs. 

PSDF Pehchan - 1000 Transgenders enter workforce
05 Sep
Press Release

Over 1,000 Transgender Graduates Enter Workforce Through Punjab’s First-Ever Skills Program under CM’s Skilled Punjab Initiative

Lahore – From salons in Lahore to IT startups in Multan, 1,054 transgender individuals have transformed their lives through PSDF | Pehchan program – Skilling Program for Transgenders Under CM’s Skilled Punjab Initiative, many entering the workforce for the first time in history. 980+ transgenders individuals have already secured jobs with reputable employers, while others are launching their own small businesses, marking a breakthrough for industry linkages and inclusion.

This initiative directly supports the Government of Punjab’s vision under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to create a Skilled Punjab where every citizen regardless of gender or identity has access to dignified livelihoods. By prioritizing vulnerable and marginalized communities, PSDF | Pehchan reflects the government’s broader mission of inclusive growth, social justice, and economic empowerment.

PSDF | Pehchan launched in November 2024 under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Initiative, is reversing this narrative by providing transgender persons with pathways to dignity, opportunity, and recognition.

Delivered by PSDF in collaboration with 18+ training service providers like Depilex, Khawaja Sira Society & STEP; PSDF | Pehchan equips participants with high-demand skills in Beauty & Grooming, Culinary Arts, Performing Arts, Information Technology, Handicrafts, Digital Freelancing.

Alongside technical training, the program ensures holistic support: monthly stipends, travel allowances, professional toolkits, and assistance with NADRA and PSER registration giving participants the tools and recognition to enter the workforce with dignity long denied to them.

Since its launch, PSDF | Pehchan has reached trainees in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Gujranwala. Graduates are stepping into formal jobs, freelancing careers, and entrepreneurial ventures, setting an example of what inclusive skills development can achieve.

“For too long, transgender persons have been denied opportunities others take for granted. With Pehchan, we are not just training them — we are opening doors to dignity, careers, and inclusion in Punjab’s economy,” said Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF.

As the first dedicated skills program for the transgender community in Punjab, Pehchan represents more than training it is a replicable model for inclusive economic growth, aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It reaffirms PSDF’s mission to build an economy where no one is left behind.

PSDF | Tabeer places over 100 Pakistani graduates in Saudi Arabia
29 Jun
Press Release

PSDF | Tabeer International Placement Program Places Over 100 Skilled Pakistani Graduates in Saudi Arabia

Lahore: The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has successfully facilitated the overseas placement of more than 100 skilled Pakistani graduates in Saudi Arabia’s construction and hospitality sectors through its flagship Tabeer International Placement Program, launched under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Initiative. The achievement marks a significant milestone in PSDF’s efforts to create sustainable international employment opportunities for Punjab’s youth while strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global labour market. 

Through the Tabeer International Placement Program, PSDF has established itself as a comprehensive one-window solution for overseas employment, managing every stage of the workforce mobility process under one roof. From identifying international market demands and designing employer-led training programs to certification, job matching, visa facilitation, and pre-departure support, PSDF ensures a seamless pathway from skills development to confirmed overseas employment. 

The program operates in close collaboration with leading Saudi employers to develop training curricula that directly align with industry requirements. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection and assessment process, including technical training, workplace readiness modules, soft skills development, and employer-led evaluations. Only those who successfully meet the required standards are offered confirmed employment opportunities before departure, providing confidence and certainty to both graduates and employers. 

Speaking on the success of the initiative, PSDF CEO Ahmed Khan stated that the organization is committed to creating meaningful economic opportunities for skilled Pakistanis through structured and transparent international placement mechanisms. He noted that by managing the entire process from training and certification to employment confirmation and visa processing, PSDF has significantly reduced the challenges traditionally faced by job seekers pursuing overseas employment opportunities. This integrated approach ensures that candidates arrive at their destinations fully prepared, with valid employment contracts, completed documentation, and the skills required to perform effectively from their first day at work. 

The program is already delivering positive outcomes for participating graduates and their families. Individuals placed in Saudi Arabia are earning competitive salaries, contributing to their households through foreign remittances, and improving their long-term economic prospects. The initiative is also helping strengthen local communities across Punjab by creating new avenues for economic mobility and financial stability. At the same time, Saudi employers are benefiting from access to a dependable pipeline of skilled and job-ready professionals who have been trained according to international standards and industry expectations. 

The success of the Tabeer International Placement Program reflects PSDF’s broader commitment to equipping youth with market-relevant skills and connecting them with quality employment opportunities both within Pakistan and abroad. Building on the strong results achieved in Saudi Arabia, PSDF is now preparing to expand its international placement services to additional Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as healthcare, retail, logistics, and other high-demand industries. 

As Pakistan’s largest skills development fund, PSDF continues to play a leading role in workforce development and international talent mobility. Through innovative programs such as Tabeer International Placement, the organization is not only empowering individuals with employable skills but also contributing to economic growth by positioning Pakistan as a trusted source of globally competitive talent. The initiative represents a significant step towards creating sustainable employment pathways for skilled youth and supporting the vision of a prosperous and economically empowered Punjab. 

31 Jan
Press Release

PSDF Partners with iamtheCODE to Empower Women and Girls through Coding and STEAMED Education

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF), in line with Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of empowering women and its unwavering commitment to skill development, has partnered with iamtheCODE, a global movement dedicated to advance STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, and Design) education. This partnership aims to empower women and girls across Pakistan by providing them with essential coding skills and digital literacy, aligning with iamtheCODE’s global mission to train 1 million female coders by 2030.

Nearly 49% of the Pakistan’s population comprises of women and girls but are facing significant barriers to education and employment that limits opportunities for meaningful economic and social contributions (Source: UN).

The collaboration between PSDF and iamtheCODE brings a unique approach to skills development, leveraging innovative resources and global connectivity. Learners will benefit from access to iamtheCODE’s proprietary digital platform and a 12-week curriculum, preloaded on devices to ensure seamless accessibility. Moreover, the program emphasizes on mentorship and leadership development, engaging participants through hackathons, leadership talks, and mentorship sessions led by community leaders. Virtual communication will play a vital role, with regular Zoom sessions connecting learners with mentors and global experts to broaden their perspectives.

Lady Mariéme Jamme, CEO of iamtheCODE said while highlighting the program’s impact, “iamtheCODE is thrilled to partner with PSDF to bring our mission to Pakistan. Together, we will create opportunities for women and girls to learn coding, build sustainable livelihoods, and become change-makers in their communities.”

To ensure sustainability, PSDF will facilitate community outreach, infrastructure, and spaces, while iamtheCODE will focus on capacity building by training local mentors and educators. By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, this partnership aims to transform lives, enhance employability, and position Pakistan as a leader in inclusive digital education.

Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF expressed his views about the collaboration stating, “This partnership reflects our shared vision of unlocking the potential of women and girls through education and skills development. With iamtheCODE’s innovative platform and curriculum, we aim to equip learners in Pakistan with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy and drive meaningful social change.”

05 Dec
Press Release

Punjab’s Youth to Access Global Opportunities Through Landmark Pakistan-Japan Collaboration

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has taken a significant step in socio-economic development through global upskilling initiatives under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and facilitated by Mr. Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force for Skill Development. A historic agreement was signed between Hazza Institute of Technology (HAZZA), Japan-Pakistan Innovative Institute (JPII), and PSDF to establish state-of-the-art Japanese language and cultural training centers in Punjab, providing a gateway to global opportunities for Pakistani youth in Japan.


This initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s mission to empower the youth of Punjab by equipping them with internationally competitive skills and creating pathways for employment in high-demand sectors abroad, including information technology, logistics, elderly care, hospitality, and agriculture.


The collaboration includes several key highlights, such as the establishment of six Japanese Language and Cultural Training Centers in Punjab. Through this initiative, 2,000 youth will receive training on the Japanese language, culture, and professional standards. Moreover, in partnership with JPII, guaranteed job placements will be provided in Japan for the trained individuals. Additionally, this collaboration will enhance bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between Pakistan and Japan.


Mr. Mitsuru Kiuchi, Chairman of JPII, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a bridge connecting Japan’s growing demand for skilled workers with Punjab’s exceptional talent. Together, we will create opportunities that foster economic growth and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between our nations.”


Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, added, “This initiative goes beyond training; it opens global doors for Punjab’s youth, enabling economic independence and driving socio-economic growth in the province.”
Both HAZZA and PSDF will provide financial, logistical, and operational support to ensure the program’s seamless implementation, including recruitment, training, and placements in Japan. The partnership also brings Japanese industry expertise to Punjab, with native language instructors delivering culturally immersive training and conducting final screenings.


Mr. Adnan Chattha, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the agreement, remarked, “This partnership is a monumental milestone in addressing unemployment in Punjab and creating a globally competitive workforce. It reflects our commitment to empowering the youth with opportunities that transform their lives and contribute to the province’s development.”


The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries from Pakistan and Japan, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for Punjab’s youth in the global arena.

29 Nov
Press Release

PSDF Launches CM’s Skilled Punjab Program to Facilitate International Placement of Youth in GCC Markets

Aligned with the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s mission, the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has launched a program, CM’s Skilled Punjab Program – International Placement, a visionary initiative aimed at opening global doors for Pakistan’s youth. This groundbreaking program will prepare young Pakistanis with the tools they need to excel abroad, strengthening both their futures and Pakistan’s economy.


In 2021, remittances contributed a significant 21% to Pakistan’s GDP, highlighting their vital role in the nation’s economy (Source: Asian Development Bank). Recognizing this, PSDF has identified the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly Saudi Arabia, as a key market for placing Punjab’s youth. To support this vision, PSDF will provide skill development aligned with the specific demands of the international job market.


The initial phase of this program will provide demand-driven skills training and secure international job placements for 10,000 youth individuals in GCC markets. Moreover, the program will address high global demand for skilled labor in sectors such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and retail. This 2-year program will encourage remittance inflows and will support the overall economic growth of Pakistan.


During the meeting, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on Skills Development, Adnan Afzal Chattha, stated, “We have carefully identified specific trades in which Punjab’s youth will be trained to enhance their chances for international placement. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training across sectors, significantly improving the likelihood of successful international employment for the trainees. Moreover, this increased interaction will facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and best practices, creating a more efficient flow of information and fostering innovation between countries.”


This program aims not only to provide financial stability for the youth but also to alleviate the economic burden on the country by improving resource allocation. Additionally, by increasing the number of skilled workers employed abroad, Pakistan will benefit from the resulting remittances, which can contribute positively to the economy.


Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, said, “This program can improve Pakistan’s global reputation as a source of highly skilled talent, consequently, attracting further international collaboration and investment.”

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