ISLAMABAD, June 18 (APP): Pakistan trained 215,719 workers in soft skills during July-March FY2025-26 as part of efforts to improve their adaptability, productivity and employability in international labour markets.
Soft skills training supports overseas employment
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the training programme focused on developing workers’ soft skills. The initiative aimed to improve workplace adaptability, increase productivity and help workers meet the requirements of global employers.
The report notes that Pakistan’s growing youth population presents a significant opportunity for labour market expansion. The country’s population reached approximately 252 million during FY2025-26, including 66.96 million people aged 15-29.
Digital systems improve recruitment process
To support overseas employment, the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), in collaboration with Germany’s GIZ, established a Centre of Excellence. The centre provides one-window migration advisory and capacity-building services for prospective overseas workers.
The report also highlights the operationalization of the Digital HR Pool system. The platform integrates biometric verification, job matching and transparent recruitment mechanisms. It helps connect Pakistani workers with overseas employers more efficiently while improving transparency in the recruitment process.
Government strengthens sector oversight
Authorities continued efforts to strengthen oversight of the overseas employment sector during the review period.
According to the report, 82 Overseas Employment Promoter licences were cancelled and four licences were suspended during July-March FY2025-26 following complaints. These measures aimed to improve the efficiency and credibility of the emigration value chain.
The report notes that labour market reforms are increasingly linked with technology-driven solutions. These reforms seek to improve access to employment opportunities and reduce inefficiencies in recruitment systems.
Overseas employment remains important
Pakistan’s employed labour force stood at 77.2 million during FY2025-26, while the labour force participation rate reached 46.3%.
The report highlights that overseas employment remains an important source of income for households. It also contributes significantly to remittance inflows, which support the country’s external sector.
Government initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Programme and the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, are helping align workforce skills with domestic and international market requirements.
According to the report, continued investment in skills development, labour market reforms and digital employment platforms will remain critical for improving the competitiveness of Pakistani workers in global markets.
