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LAHORE, Dec 16 (APP):Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has emphasized that equipping youth with practical skills is the only sustainable solution to unemployment.
He said that neither government nor private sector efforts alone can provide jobs for all young people. He added that unemployment was a growing concern, with even degree-holding youth frequently unable to secure employment.
The speaker made these remarks while addressing the first annual convocation under the Chief Minister Punjab Skilled Program for TEVTA (Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority) hospitality pass-outs, held at a private hotel, here on Tuesday. He said that with 70 percent of the population seeking employment, only two percent can realistically be provided jobs at the government level, making skill development indispensable.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also stressed the importance of promoting Urdu in technical education to preserve the national language. He highlighted that rural youth have been serving the country for decades and should be included in national institutions, urging TEVTA to expand technical education at district and tehsil levels.
He said that TEVTA has so far trained 200,000 youth and facilitated employment, adding that the hospitality sector offers vast opportunities for career growth.
On the occasion, TEVTA Chairman Brigadier (R) Muhammad Sajid Khokhar said TEVTA provides technical education of international standards, including practical training through partnerships with hotels, and has introduced a diploma program in hospitality.
Secretary Skill Development Nadir Chatha said 56 cooking classes were being launched in collaboration with Mera Kitchen, with 47 out of 92 trained students already employed locally or abroad.
Chairman Skill Development Task Force Adnan Afzal Chatha highlighted global demand for hospitality professionals and announced advanced IT and AI training programs across 14 laboratories in Punjab.
Later, certificates and medals were distributed among 100 students at the conclusion of the convocation. Parliamentary Secretary Saadia Taimur also attended the ceremony.