**Farah Naz Akbar Celebrates World Youth Skills Day, Calls for Greater Investment in Vocational Training**
Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, the Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, underscored the transformative potential of vocational and technical education for Pakistan’s future during her visit to the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) on World Youth Skills Day. Addressing officials, trainers, and trainees, she emphasized that empowering young people with practical skills is crucial for the nation’s progress.
Welcomed enthusiastically by NAVTTC staff and leadership, Ms. Akbar acknowledged the effective guidance of Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and praised the NAVTTC team’s efforts in organizing the event. She highlighted NAVTTC’s inclusive approach, which unites provincial TEVTAs and other stakeholders in the creation of streamlined, countrywide skills development programs.
In her address, Ms. Akbar described the official recognition of World Youth Skills Day as a significant milestone for Pakistan. She pointed out that while days dedicated to honoring teachers and parents have been long established, celebrating skilled professionals reflects an important cultural shift towards valuing technical expertise and hands-on contributions.
With more than 65% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, Ms. Akbar stressed the urgency of equipping youth with market-relevant abilities. She lauded NAVTTC’s achievement in training over 650,000 young individuals, noting that these graduates not only uplift their families and communities but are also succeeding in international job markets as a testament to the quality of their skills.
During her visit, Ms. Akbar toured various NAVTTC departments, meeting trainers and trainees from diverse trades including plumbing, beauty, and electrical work. She also distributed certificates to recent graduates, offering congratulations and encouraging them to utilize their newfound expertise for both personal advancement and national development.
Concluding her remarks, Ms. Akbar called for sustained investment in human capital, asserting that empowering youth through skills development is essential to building a more prosperous and respected Pakistan on the global stage.
