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Rs1.3bn program proposed to improve soil health, crop productivity

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Rs1.3bn program proposed to improve soil health, crop productivity

ISLAMABAD, March 08 (ABC): The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) plans to launch a Rs1.3 billion five-year climate-smart project to improve soil fertility and crop productivity across the country.

The initiative, proposed for inclusion in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, will run from July 2026 to June 2031, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.

Titled “National Bio-Fertilizer and Composting Program for Improving Soil Health and Crop Productivity,” the project focuses on natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, soil fertility, integrated nutrient management, biofertilizers and soil microbiology.

Implementation through national research network

The project will be implemented through the Land Resources Research Institute (LRRI) of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. Provincial research and extension departments will support the implementation process.

PARC Agro-Tech Company (PATCO) and private biofertilizer companies will participate through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

The initiative aligns with the government’s 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Project (NAIGP).

The program promotes climate-smart agriculture and regenerative soil health management. It also aims to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while strengthening farmer resilience and food security.

Focus on biofertilizers, integrated nutrient management

The project seeks to improve national food security, soil health and climate resilience. It will scale up farmer-level adoption of quality-assured indigenous biofertilizers, compost and organic amendments.

A nationally coordinated delivery framework will guide the implementation. The framework combines climate-smart practices with public-private collaboration to support sustainable agricultural systems.

Among the key deliverables, the project will authenticate, conserve and document elite Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains in the National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP).

A national quality control and certification system for biofertilizers and compost will also ensure product standards and build farmer confidence.

Demonstration plots and farmer support

The initiative will provide farmers with standardized integrated nutrient management packages and clear application guidelines.

Public-private delivery partnerships will help farmers access bio-inputs and related technologies. Demonstration plots will also be established across different agro-ecological zones to validate climate-responsive nutrient management practices.

The project will also produce extension and communication materials to support awareness and adoption. Training programs will build human resource capacity in both public and private sectors.

By promoting indigenous bio-input technologies and restoring soil health, the initiative aims to improve crop quality and support sustainable productivity growth in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

40,000 acres of commercial olive orchards planned across Pakistan

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40,000 acres of commercial olive orchards planned across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Mar 07 (ABC): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has proposed a Rs6,598 million nationwide project to establish commercial olive orchards on 40,000 acres. The initiative aims to strengthen and uplift Pakistan’s olive value chain.

An official document available with Wealth Pakistan states that the three-year initiative is titled “Strengthening/Uplifting of Olive Value Chain in Pakistan – Phase III.” The project will run from July 2026 to June 2029.

The Pakistan Oilseed Development Board will implement the project in collaboration with national and provincial institutions.

The initiative will cover Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Expansion of commercial olive orchards

A key component of the initiative involves establishing cluster-based commercial olive orchards on 40,000 acres. Farmers and public land in suitable agro-ecological zones will support this activity.

Through this approach, the project will organize olive cultivation on a larger scale. It will also support the development of Pakistan’s olive industry.

Improving irrigation and climate resilience

The project also focuses on improving water efficiency in olive cultivation.

Under the plan, authorities will install drip irrigation systems on 10,000 acres of olive orchards. This measure will improve water use and support climate-resilient farming practices.

In addition, the initiative will rehabilitate around 0.3 million wild olive trees. Communities will carry out grafting activities in identified areas.

Strengthening value addition in olive sector

The initiative also aims to improve value addition and commercialization within the olive value chain.

Pilot-scale public-private partnership projects will support pomace oil production. The project will also promote improvements in olive oil quality and modern storage practices.

Furthermore, the initiative will encourage the use of olive pomace for pellet production. These steps aim to enhance the commercial potential of olive products and by-products.

Institutional strengthening and sector governance

Institutional development forms another major component of the project.

Under the plan, authorities will establish and operationalize a national olive company or council. This institution will support better governance and regulatory arrangements in the sector.

Private sector participation will also support the sustainability of the olive industry.

Training and human resource development

The project also focuses on human resource development across the olive value chain.

Stakeholders will receive training in good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, hazard analysis and critical control points, processing techniques, and marketing practices.

Training programs will also include women and youth involved in olive cultivation, processing, and marketing. These activities aim to develop a skilled workforce for the sector.

Key deliverables of the project

The project will establish cluster-based commercial olive plantations and rehabilitate wild olive trees through grafting.

Authorities will also install drip irrigation systems and strengthen human resources across the olive value chain.

Moreover, the initiative will launch pilot projects for value addition and by-product utilization to improve commercialization.

The project will also introduce a digital geospatial mapping and monitoring system. This system will support tracking and management of olive cultivation activities.

The proposed activities align with the 13th Five-Year Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Agriculture Innovation Growth Action Plan. The initiative focuses on exports, technological advancement, mechanization, financial support, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and equity and empowerment.

Cost overruns push Quetta Expo Center completion date to Nov 2027

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Cost overruns push Quetta Expo Center completion date to Nov 2027

ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (ABC): The Expo Center Quetta project is likely to be completed by November 2027 after revisions in cost and timeline, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project is located in the Takhtani Industrial Estate along the Eastern Bypass in Quetta. The Ministry of Commerce is sponsoring the project, while Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited is executing it. The facility aims to promote trade in Balochistan through exhibitions, consumer fairs, and conferences.

Originally, authorities approved the project at a cost of Rs2,500 million. However, the cost was later revised. The updated cost now stands at Rs4,829 million. This amount includes a foreign exchange component (FEC) of Rs1,210 million, or about $4.28 million. The project is financed through the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and it does not include any foreign aid.

Authorities first approved the project on September 25, 2019. At that time, the completion deadline was February 2022. However, the timeline was later revised. Following the approval of a revised PC-I on January 27, 2025, the completion target was extended to June 30, 2027.

According to the documents, time and cost increases mainly resulted from delays in land acquisition and finalization for the expo center. In addition, macroeconomic challenges also affected project progress. Authorities were unable to open letters of credit (LCs) during this period due to financial constraints.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the project in its meeting held on January 23, 2025. However, the meeting minutes and the formal authorization letter from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives are still awaited.

As of June 2025, total expenditure on the project reached Rs1,044 million. This amount represents about 23% financial progress against the revised PC-I. Physical progress has also reached around 23%.

So far, several initial works have been completed. These include the establishment of the project office and about 25% to 30% construction of the boundary wall and watchtower.

For the fiscal year 2025-26, authorities revised the project allocation to Rs50 million. Meanwhile, a proposed allocation of Rs3,000 million, including the FEC component of Rs1,210 million, has been put forward for FY27.

However, only Rs17.50 million has been sanctioned so far for the fiscal year 2025-26. In addition, no expenditure was reported between July 1 and December 31, 2025.

Once completed, the Expo Center Quetta is expected to support domestic and international trade activities. The facility will host trade exhibitions and commercial events. As a result, it may help increase exports, generate foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities in the province.

Moreover, the project is expected to encourage domestic business activity and improve Balochistan’s integration with national and international trade networks.

Smart glasshouse speeds up climate-ready crop development in Pakistan

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Smart glasshouse speeds up climate-ready crop development in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (ABC): A cutting-edge ‘Intelligent & Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Glasshouse’ recently established at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) is accelerating climate-ready crop development and ushering in a new era of smart farming in Pakistan.

“The facility marks a major leap forward for agricultural research,” Dr Muhammad Ramzan Khan, Principal Scientific Officer at NIGAB, a specialized department of the National Agricultural Research Centre, told Wealth Pakistan.

Climate change is posing increasing risks to food production. Therefore, the Intelligent & IoT Smart Glasshouse is helping Pakistan develop stronger crop varieties, conserve resources, and build a more resilient agricultural system. The facility was established under the Sino-Pak Agricultural Breeding Innovations for Rapid Yield Enhancement initiative.

Unlike traditional greenhouses, the intelligent glasshouse can design the growing environment according to the needs of each crop. As a result, scientists can grow plants faster and more efficiently.

Spread over 2,640 square feet, the fully operational facility uses IoT technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, programmable logic controllers, and data analytics. These technologies allow researchers to control climate, humidity, carbon dioxide, light, and water in real time for optimal plant growth.

“The IoT-based glasshouse is a future-ready national asset that connects genomics, digital agriculture, and sustainable food production,” Dr Ramzan said. “It represents a shift from conventional breeding to data-driven, climate-smart, and precision agriculture.”

The smart glasshouse contains eight independently programmable chambers. Scientists can simulate heat, drought, and cold conditions in these chambers to study how crops respond to climate stress.

“This system allows researchers to test crop responses and identify stronger and more resilient varieties,” Dr Ramzan explained.

The facility is equipped with smart full-spectrum grow lights and auxiliary flood lights to support plant growth. In addition, it features an automated shading system.

“Automated internal shading in each chamber helps maintain ideal growing conditions without manual intervention,” he said.

Several major crops are already being grown and studied in the facility. These include wheat, rice, cotton, canola, tomato, potato, and strawberry.

Scientists are also applying genome-assisted speed breeding, a method that shortens crop development time. Through this approach, researchers can produce multiple crop generations within a single year.

The smart glasshouse aims to reduce the time required to develop new crop varieties from 10 years to about five years. According to Dr Ramzan, scientists can now achieve four to eight generations per year, significantly accelerating breeding cycles.

“The results are already encouraging,” he said. Researchers screened 244 rice lines for heat tolerance and conducted speed breeding of 400 wheat lines. In addition, gene-edited sugarcane, tomato, and potato plants were successfully acclimatized under controlled conditions.

The facility also includes vertical and horizontal aquaponics systems. These soil-less farming methods allow fish waste to fertilize plants naturally while recycling water.

Under this system, researchers successfully cultivated 800 strawberry plants and 700 celery plants. They also grew 16 tomato plants to evaluate nutrient-use efficiency.

Beyond research activities, the smart glasshouse also serves as a training centre. Scientists, breeders, students, and technicians are receiving training in advanced agricultural biotechnology at the facility.

According to Dr Ramzan, replicating such smart glasshouse models across provinces could further strengthen food security and support export-oriented agriculture.

Punjab distributes seed kits for eight vegetables to promote kitchen gardening

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Punjab distributes seed kits for eight vegetables to promote kitchen gardening

LAHORE, Mar 4 (ABC): The Punjab government has launched an initiative to promote kitchen gardening by providing certified vegetable seeds to citizens at affordable rates. As a result, households can grow fresh vegetables at home and reduce food expenses.

The seeds can be cultivated in pots, plastic bags, crates, boxes, open spaces, or even on rooftops. Therefore, both urban and rural households can benefit from this initiative.

Currently, the government is distributing seed kits for eight summer vegetables through the Agriculture Extension Department’s network across various districts of the province.

“Summer vegetable seed kits are available for sale throughout the province. These vegetables can be grown successfully to obtain inexpensive and pesticide-free produce,” Shahid Ashraf, In-Charge of the Kitchen Gardening Scheme at the Punjab Agriculture Department, told Wealth Pakistan.

The initiative aims to promote self-sufficiency, improve household nutrition, and encourage sustainable food practices. Moreover, it seeks to make fresh and homegrown vegetables accessible to families across Punjab.

Each kitchen gardening kit contains seeds for eight seasonal vegetables. The summer packs include okra, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, cucumber, tomato, tinda, and chilies.

Shahid Ashraf said the public response to kitchen gardening has been encouraging. Many households are successfully growing vegetables at home and reducing their dependence on market purchases.

Vegetable seed kits are available at district offices of the Agriculture Extension Department in Attock, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Chakwal, Chiniot, D.G. Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhang, Jhelum, Kasur, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and Vehari. In addition, the kits are available at the department’s head office in Lahore.

A growing number of Lahorites have adopted kitchen gardening not only to avoid purchasing expensive vegetables from the market but also as a productive hobby.

“I have been growing various summer and winter vegetables on the rooftop of my home. When the seeds sprout and plants begin to produce vegetables, it gives me immense pleasure,” said Ashfaq Hussain Mughal, a resident of Manga Mandi on the outskirts of Lahore.

He added that cultivating vegetables at home is a rewarding way to spend time productively while ensuring fresh food for the family.

Meanwhile, the Vegetable Research Institute (VRI), Faisalabad, is also playing an important role in promoting kitchen gardening across Punjab.

“The institute has developed and distributed more than 200,000 kitchen gardening seed kits for both summer and winter seasons this year,” said Dr Ghazanfar Hammad, Principal Scientist at VRI.

He explained that each kit contains seeds for eight seasonal vegetables, which are sufficient for a five-marla household. In addition, the kits include informative pamphlets outlining kitchen gardening guidelines and best practices.

The kits are available at a nominal price of Rs200 per pack, covering only production costs. Therefore, the programme remains affordable for low- and middle-income families.

Dr Hammad said optimal vegetable growth requires temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. According to him, the current weather conditions in Punjab are favourable for vegetable cultivation until March 31.

In addition to the ongoing distribution, VRI produced 200,000 winter vegetable seed kits in 2025 for free distribution in flood-affected areas with the support of the Fertilizer Manufacturers Association of Pakistan.

“This initiative aims to support vulnerable communities in restoring household food supplies and improving nutritional security,” he said.

Rs1bn simulation-based training institute proposed for construction machinery

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Rs1bn simulation-based training institute proposed for construction machinery

ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (ABC): The Ministry of Industries and Production on Tuesday proposed establishing a simulation-based training institute for construction machinery under the Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) to address skill shortages in the construction sector.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed Skill Development Institute for Construction Machinery (SDICM) aims to strengthen the construction industry, particularly in the operation and maintenance of heavy construction machinery.

The institute is designed to support economic growth by improving construction quality and developing exportable human resources. As a result, it is expected to contribute to higher foreign remittances and stronger technical capacity in the sector.

According to the documents, the total estimated cost of the project stands at Rs1,000 million, while Rs300 million has been proposed for allocation in 2026-27. At present, the initiative is at the PC-I stage.

The institute will provide Heavy Earth Moving Equipment (HEME) simulators to train human resources using modern technology. These simulators will include tower crane, crane, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck, road roller and grader simulators.

In addition, the institute will offer training in heavy vehicle operation, heavy vehicle repair and maintenance, as well as surveying and monitoring techniques. Through these programmes, trainees will gain practical skills in a controlled and safe learning environment.

Officials believe that the availability of trained and exportable human resources will enhance foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, it will improve the overall efficiency and productivity of Pakistan’s construction sector.

The proposed institute is also being viewed as an important step toward modernising the country’s construction workforce. As urbanisation continues and infrastructure investment increases, the demand for skilled operators of heavy construction machinery has risen significantly.

However, the shortage of certified and technically trained operators often causes project delays, cost overruns and safety concerns. Therefore, the new institute is expected to help address these challenges.

Through simulator-based training programmes, the institute will replicate real-world working conditions without the safety risks and high operational costs associated with on-site training. Consequently, trainees will be able to learn advanced equipment handling in a controlled environment.

Moreover, the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for young people and improve the export potential of skilled workers. Demand for certified heavy equipment operators remains strong in international markets, particularly in the Middle East and other regions.

Pakistan’s fruit export earnings nearly double to Rs86bn in 10 years

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Pakistan’s fruit export earnings nearly double to Rs86bn in 10 years

ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (ABC): Pakistan’s fruit export earnings have nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from Rs44.6 billion in 2015-16 to Rs86.0 billion in 2024-25.

Official trade data from the Ministry of Finance, available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that fruit export volumes stood at 677,000 tonnes in 2015-16. These shipments generated Rs44.6 billion in export receipts.

Early setback due to floods

In 2016-17, export volumes declined to 646,000 tonnes, down 4.6% year-on-year. Earnings also fell to Rs39.9 billion.

Above-average rainfall from March to September 2016 triggered flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The floods damaged orchards, standing crops, and rural infrastructure. As a result, fruit output declined during the period.

Strong recovery phase

Exports recovered in 2017-18. Volumes rose to 697,000 tonnes, while earnings improved to Rs43.8 billion.

The upward trend continued in 2018-19. Export volumes increased to 756,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, export value climbed to Rs56.3 billion, marking nearly 28% growth in earnings.

In 2019-20, shipments reached 798,000 tonnes. Export receipts also increased to Rs67.8 billion. This period marked two consecutive years of expansion in both quantity and value.

Peak year in 2020-21

A major surge occurred in 2020-21. Shipments jumped to 975,000 tonnes, the highest level recorded in the decade. Export value also rose to Rs76.8 billion.

Compared to 2015-16, export volumes during this peak year were higher by nearly 44%.

Volume decline but higher value

However, 2021-22 saw a sharp drop in shipments. Exports fell to 622,000 tonnes, down more than 36% from the previous year.

Despite lower volumes, export earnings increased to Rs84.4 billion. This trend indicates a significant rise in export value per tonne.

In 2022-23, volumes remained subdued at 629,000 tonnes. Export value declined to Rs68.8 billion. During 2022, the worst floods in decades inundated vast farmland and affected millions of acres of crops.

Record earnings in 2023-24

Exports rebounded strongly in 2023-24. Shipment volumes rose to 928,000 tonnes. More importantly, export earnings surged to a record Rs97.1 billion, the highest level in the 10-year period.

Compared to 2015-16, export earnings in 2023-24 more than doubled.

Latest year shows lower volumes

In 2024-25, export volumes declined sharply to 579,000 tonnes, the lowest level of the decade. However, export receipts remained strong at Rs86.0 billion, despite a 37% drop in quantity from the previous year.

Decade-long trend

Over the past 10 years, fruit export volumes fluctuated between 579,000 and 975,000 tonnes. In contrast, export value showed a consistent upward trajectory.

Overall, export earnings increased by nearly 93% during the decade. The data suggests that while shipment volumes remained volatile, fruit export revenues strengthened substantially.

53% of trainees secure jobs under NAVTTC skill programs

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53% of trainees secure jobs under NAVTTC skill programs

ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (ABC): Fresh performance data from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) shows that 53% of trainees have secured jobs under major national skill development programs. The figures highlight the growing impact of government-backed technical training on youth employability.

According to official tracer studies available with Wealth Pakistan, 53% of individuals trained under the Skills for All Program in 2023 were employed at the time of the survey. Meanwhile, 47% were still seeking work. The study tracked 37,440 graduates who completed training during the year.

Income levels show positive trends

The income data presents encouraging results. Among employed trainees, 38% reported earning more than Rs 50,000 per month. Another 18% earned between Rs 31,000 and Rs 50,000 per month.

These figures suggest that technical training not only improves employment chances but also enhances income prospects for skilled youth entering the job market.

PMYSDP records similar employment rate

A separate tracer study reviewed the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) Batch-I. The survey tracked 51,692 trainees who completed training in 2024.

The findings showed the same employment outcome. Around 53% of trainees secured jobs, while 47% remained unemployed at the time of assessment.

NAVTTC plans to launch the tracer study for PMYSDP Batch-II soon. This batch includes nearly 77,000 trainees.

Policy impact and future direction

The latest data confirms the strong role of structured vocational training in strengthening workforce productivity. It also highlights the need to improve industry linkages. Stronger partnerships with employers can help reduce unemployment among graduates.

Policymakers are likely to use this performance assessment to guide future reforms and funding decisions for technical and vocational education programs across the country.

Pak-Korea solar testing lab to launch commercial operations in 2026

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Pak-Korea solar testing lab to launch commercial operations in 2026

ISLAMABAD, Feb 26 (ABC): The Pak-Korea solar testing lab will launch commercial operations in 2026 as it moves to secure ISO/IEC-17025 accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC). This step will strengthen quality assurance in Pakistan’s fast-growing solar market and improve oversight of solar panel imports and local production.

Fully operational testing facility

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory has become fully operational. Engineers have installed and commissioned advanced equipment at the facility. The lab can now conduct up to 40 different technical tests on solar panels.

These tests evaluate photovoltaic (PV) modules according to internationally recognized standards. As a result, manufacturers and importers can verify product quality before market entry.

Accreditation process underway

The lab will apply for ISO/IEC-17025 accreditation in May 2026. Officials scheduled the final phase of specialized training in Korea for March-April 2026. After completing this training, the management will formally submit the accreditation request.

Authorities expect PNAC to complete the accreditation process by mid-2026. Once PNAC grants accreditation, the lab will issue internationally acceptable test reports.

Strengthening regulatory enforcement

Accredited local testing will allow regulators to enforce quality standards more effectively. It will also reduce reliance on foreign laboratories and shorten compliance timelines.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) plans to add solar panels to its mandatory certification list. This move will help prevent substandard solar products from entering the local market. It will also protect consumers from low-quality equipment.

The Pak-Korea solar testing lab will support this process by providing accredited test reports. Consequently, regulators will gain stronger compliance tools, and market transparency will improve.

Boost for investment and exports

Industry stakeholders believe the lab will enhance investor confidence in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector. Reliable local testing will encourage domestic manufacturing. It will also help producers meet international standards more easily.

Moreover, internationally recognized certification may strengthen the export potential of Pakistan’s solar equipment industry. Manufacturers will find it easier to access foreign markets when products meet global benchmarks.

A milestone for solar quality assurance

The launch and accreditation of the Pak-Korea solar testing lab mark a major step for Pakistan’s renewable energy sector. The facility will improve product reliability, strengthen consumer protection, and align Pakistan’s solar infrastructure with global quality standards as the country expands its solar capacity.

NAVTTC upgrading 12 model TVET institutes in Balochistan

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NAVTTC upgrading 12 model TVET institutes in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (ABC): The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), in collaboration with the European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is upgrading 12 model Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes in Balochistan to strengthen skills development in the province.

The initiative focuses on modernizing training infrastructure. NAVTTC is equipping the selected TVET institutes with advanced tools, modern machinery, and updated equipment. The move aims to improve the quality of technical and vocational education across Balochistan.

Centres of excellence to boost advanced skills

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, NAVTTC is setting up three centres of excellence in Quetta and at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal. These centres will promote advanced skills, innovation, and industry-oriented training.

The centres will help align the local workforce with market demand. They will also support modern technical training in key sectors.

China-supported upgrades in training centres

The document states that China has supported the upgrade of several technical training centres in Balochistan. Authorities have installed heavy-duty generators, modern computer systems, and improved furniture in these centres.

These upgrades are creating a more professional and supportive learning environment for students enrolled in TVET institutes.

Industry-led training for better employability

NAVTTC has also funded Balochistan TEVTA to train 300 candidates under a cluster-based, industry-led training program. This program links training institutes directly with industry needs.

By connecting training with market demand, NAVTTC aims to improve job readiness among graduates. The initiative promotes practical skills that match employer requirements.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Executive Director NAVTTC Muhammad Amir Jan said the upgrading of TVET institutes will enhance youth employability in Balochistan. He added that the initiative will strengthen industrial productivity and support sustainable economic growth in the province.

He said the focus on modern training infrastructure and market-driven skills reflects a broader strategy. The strategy seeks to position Balochistan as a strong contributor to Pakistan’s skilled workforce.

6,252 trainees targeted under PM program

The document also shows that under the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (Batch-II) 2024-25, authorities have allocated 186 institutes across Balochistan. These institutes will train 6,252 trainees in multiple sectors.

Information Technology has the largest share, with 69 institutes and a target of 3,125 trainees. Manufacturing and Textile include 38 institutes with a target of 920 trainees.

Aesthetics, Health Care and Services cover 31 institutes with 700 trainees. Agriculture includes 14 institutes with a target of 535 trainees.

Construction and Electrical/Energy trades include 10 institutes targeting 280 trainees. Languages also include 10 institutes with 220 trainees.

Mines and Mineral Industry cover 6 institutes with 224 trainees. Banking and Finance include 4 institutes with 140 trainees. HMO and Driving Trades comprise 4 institutes with a target of 108 trainees.

Through these steps, NAVTTC is strengthening the TVET system in Balochistan. The upgrading of 12 model TVET institutes reflects a focused effort to expand skills development and improve employment opportunities in the province.

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