KARACHI, Dec 29 (APP): The present government fully realizes importance of skilled manpower and has taken several initiatives in this regard.
This was stated by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain here on Tuesday.
He was speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of Pak-Swiss Training Centre (PSTC) which was established in 1965 with Swiss Collaboration to develop specialized technical resources in precision mechanics and instrumentation.
The minister was of the view that today the skill development has been known to increase productivity of individuals, profitability of employers and expansion ofnational development.
A ‘knowledgeable’ workforce, one that is both highly skilled in a particular occupation and also exhibits flexibility, is seen as the most important human capital required for the development of a country.
He said that Pakistan being a developing country can only survive through sustainable economic development and technological self-reliance for which human resource development is extremely essential.
Rana Tanveer said that realizing the importance of skilled manpower, the present government has taken several initiatives. Several programmes like Prime Minister’s Youth Skilled Development Programme, Punjab Skill Development Funds both at federal and provincial levels for the development of technical skills to produce technically trained and employable manpower are being implemented through NAVTTC, TEVTA and other entities.
The intake of polytechnics and vocational training institutes has been expanded and new courses are being introduced to cater to the requirements of local industry.
The minister said that his presence here today speaks of the firm commitment of the Government and the Ministry.
He said it is a matter of gratification that Pak Swiss Training Centre (PSTC) Karachi is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The Centre has achieved a milestone of 50 years of serving the nation by producing trained skilled manpower for the industries and organizations of Pakistan.
He said he was well aware that its technical training program follows Swiss technical training methodology which is a unique blend of practical and theory meeting requirements for award of specialized Diplomas.
This venture has been a phenomenal success due to high demand of its trained technical resource in the industry at national and international level.
He said that seeing the success of PSTC, Karachi, these facilities were established in the other Provincial Metropolis like Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta. Moreover, the same facility is also in the process of establishment at Gwadar to substantiate the China Pakistan Economic Corridor for which we once again look forward for seeking assistance from the Swiss Government.
For the students of PSTC, he suggested utilizing the skills of these students in the larger interest of Pakistan likewise the passed out graduates of PSTC, who are already rendering services in the country as well as abroad and their contribution in GDP is also extraordinary.
The minister was happy to hear that institutes like PSTC, S-TEVTA, NAVTTC, SBTE, NED University and other organizations are coordinating with each other and their combined efforts has given Pakistan a skilled workforce.
He extended his support for the development of this precious Institute in future.
Engr. Ghulam Ali Shaikh, Director PSTC Karachi, presented the welcome address.