LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP): Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan has said that it is a top priority of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to empower the youth and positively engage them in a meaningful and productive manner.
He said this while addressing the Pakistan International Culinary Championship (PICC) 2026 here on Monday.
He said, “NAVVTC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission) contributes significantly to the nation’s workforce development and economic
growth.”
The PMYP chairman lauded NAVVTC’s role and said it was leading in technical education, hospitality, IT, and other training-related areas.
He said that providing technical education to youngsters was one of the country’s biggest challenges so that they could secure good earning opportunities both within and outside Pakistan.
He said, “The Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Fund has become the largest fund in the region for technical education.”
He said, “The government’s role is to provide support to institutions that have established their identity in the market so that they can create further opportunities for the people.”
He said that the Basant Festival not only boosted economic activity but also created social cohesion, adding that the credit went to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
He congratulated the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), its President Ahmad Shafiq, and all partners for organizing the event.
He also welcomed the dignitaries from 27 countries who arrived in Pakistan and expressed hope that they would have the best time during their stay in the country.
MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the chairman inaugurated PICC 2026 by cutting a ribbon.