The federal cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the creation of the Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company, a significant initiative aimed at transforming Pakistan’s technical and vocational training landscape. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Islamabad, underscores the government’s commitment to equipping the country’s youth with the skills required to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

The newly established Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company is expected to serve as a cornerstone in the government’s strategy to bridge the skills gap in Pakistan. By focusing on technical and vocational education, the company will implement a series of programs designed to enhance the employability of young Pakistanis. This initiative is particularly important in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge. The company’s efforts will be directed towards creating a skilled workforce that can contribute effectively to national economic growth and development.

In addition to this, the cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan. The MoU is set to strengthen bilateral ties by promoting cooperation in e-commerce, a sector with immense potential for both countries. As the global economy increasingly shifts towards digital platforms, this collaboration is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, benefiting both Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Another important decision made during the meeting was the approval to transfer the operations of the King Hamad University of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences to the National University of Medical Sciences. This transfer, recommended by the Ministry of National Health Services, is aimed at elevating the standards of medical education in Pakistan. The move is expected to result in better training for medical professionals, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes across the country.

The cabinet was also briefed on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the Mubarak Sani case. Following the verdict, the federal government, acting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions, has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court. This decision was made after thorough deliberations in the National Assembly. The Attorney General of Pakistan will present the government’s case before the Supreme Court, drawing on input from religious scholars and recommendations from the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took the opportunity to commend the Punjab government for its recent power relief package, which provides financial assistance to electricity consumers using between 200 to 500 units per month. The Prime Minister emphasized that this Rs 45 billion package is funded entirely by the provincial budget, with no federal contribution. He called on other provincial governments to follow suit and introduce similar relief measures for their citizens. The Prime Minister noted that the National Finance Commission (NFC) provides ample funds to provinces, which should be used to support such initiatives.

The establishment of the Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company, along with the cabinet’s other key decisions, marks a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to drive economic growth, enhance public welfare, and improve the quality of life for Pakistan’s citizens. By focusing on skill development, digital trade, and healthcare, these initiatives are poised to create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Pakistanis.