Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called on young Pakistanis moving abroad for employment to act as ambassadors of the country and represent Pakistan with dignity, honesty and hard work.
In her message to overseas-bound youth, the chief minister said Pakistan had recently demonstrated its capabilities and prestige on the global stage, making it more important than ever for young citizens abroad to uphold the country’s image.
She said young Pakistanis travelling overseas should remember that they represent not only themselves but also the nation of Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz urged them to showcase their integrity, professionalism and dedication in their workplaces and communities to prove that Pakistanis are talented, hardworking and self-respecting people.
She expressed confidence that the achievements of overseas Pakistanis would become a source of pride for their families, communities and the country.
The chief minister advised young workers to maintain strong ties with their parents and families despite living abroad.
She said respect for parents, family values and seeking their prayers and support remained among the greatest strengths for achieving success in life.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that these values form the foundation of personal and professional success.
Highlighting the issue of overseas employment, she noted that a large number of young people leave Pakistan every year in search of better job opportunities.
However, she pointed out that many are unable to secure higher-paying positions because of a lack of professional skills and technical training.
To address this challenge, the Punjab government is providing modern vocational and technical training to hundreds of thousands of young people according to their abilities and interests.
She said a skilled workforce not only earns better incomes but also gains recognition, respect and opportunities in international markets.
The chief minister praised the efforts of the teams involved in implementing training programmes for young people across the province.
Congratulating the youth preparing for overseas employment, Maryam Nawaz commended their determination, energy and commitment to supporting their families.
She said taking responsibility for parents, siblings and household needs at a young age was a remarkable achievement.
The chief minister added that young people who continue their education while working hard to improve their future represent one of Punjab’s greatest strengths.
She noted that overseas employment opportunities provide not only better financial prospects but also valuable exposure, experience and a deeper understanding of the world.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a farewell ceremony for the first successful candidates selected under the Parwaaz Card programme before their departure for overseas employment opportunities.
A total of 135 young men and women from different districts of Punjab participated in the event after being selected under the government’s overseas employment initiative.
Addressing the participants, the chief minister congratulated the successful candidates and described them as ambassadors of Pakistan and Punjab in the international community.
She urged the departing youth to represent the country with honesty, professionalism and dedication and to demonstrate the talent and capabilities of Pakistani workers abroad.
Maryam Nawaz said overseas employment was not merely an opportunity for better earnings but also a chance to gain international experience, learn modern skills and strengthen Pakistan’s reputation globally.
The Parwaaz Card programme has been launched by the Punjab government to support students, skilled workers and young professionals seeking education and employment opportunities overseas.
Under the initiative, selected candidates receive financial assistance, technical guidance and support throughout the migration and employment process.
The programme also provides interest-free financial support to help cover expenses related to visas, travel documents, air tickets and professional training.
Officials say the initiative aims to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented young people from pursuing opportunities abroad.
The scheme targets employment opportunities in countries across the Gulf region, Europe and other international destinations.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman are among the key destinations where skilled Pakistani workers are expected to find employment opportunities under the programme.
The Punjab government has linked the initiative with skill development programmes designed to meet international labour market requirements.
Training courses are being offered in fields including electrical work, plumbing, welding, information technology, hospitality and transport services.
Language training in English, Arabic and German has also been included to improve communication skills and increase employability in foreign markets.
Officials believe the combination of technical skills and language proficiency will significantly improve employment prospects and earning potential for participants.
