LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Pakistan needs to move from the export of manpower to the export of a skilled workforce to effectively integrate its young human capital into the global economy.
“The objective of our policy should not be greater migration, but better, safer and more productive migration. Overseas Pakistanis should not be viewed merely as a source of remittances; they are economic partners, investors and ambassadors of Pakistan. Their presence abroad can serve as a strong economic bridge between Pakistan and the global economy,” he said while addressing a seminar organised by the Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society and AS Foreign Education Consultants Group of Companies on Wednesday.
He further said Pakistan must equip its youth with modern education, technical and vocational training, market-oriented skills and access to international labour markets through safe and legal channels. At the same time, the government must continue creating quality employment, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities within Pakistan so that young people have meaningful choices, he added.
According to him, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is providing young people with opportunities in education, technical training, employment and entrepreneurship. Reforms are being introduced in the education sector, while technical and vocational training institutions are being restructured to make them more responsive to the requirements of the modern labour market. Interest-free loans are also being provided to promote employment and entrepreneurship. Farmers are being supported with essential agricultural resources to increase domestic production and strengthen the country’s export potential.
“We should not focus merely on how many Pakistanis go abroad; our focus should be on how many Pakistanis reach international markets with the right skills, secure and dignified employment, and through safe and legal channels,” he said. He emphasised the need to provide prospective migrants with appropriate training, reliable information, career guidance and legal pathways.
He appreciated the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, saying they possess valuable capital, international market experience, technological knowledge and business networks. Pakistan needs to move towards a model in which overseas Pakistanis are encouraged to invest in businesses, transfer technology, build commercial linkages and mentor young people in Pakistan.
The Finance Minister said the digital economy offers unprecedented opportunities for Pakistani youth.
“Skills in IT, freelancing, artificial intelligence, software development and cybersecurity can connect young Pakistanis directly with global markets. A Pakistani professional can now provide services to international companies without leaving the country.”
Highlighting the Punjab government’s efforts to increase revenue, he said they are focused on increasing revenue without imposing the burden of new taxes. “Collections by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) have increased by more than 38 percent during the current fiscal year, while significant growth has also been recorded in Excise and Taxation collections. Additional resources generated through improved revenue collection are being utilised for education, healthcare, employment, public welfare and development initiatives.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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