The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has launched a series of consultative sessions with licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) in Lahore, Multan and Islamabad to expand international employment opportunities for youth through the Chief Minister’s Parwaaz Card Scheme.
The initiative aims to build stronger partnerships with licensed OEPs to ensure safe, legal, and dignified overseas employment opportunities for Punjab’s skilled youth, while improving coordination among all stakeholders involved in the programme.
The sessions were attended by Chairperson of the Chief Minister’s Taskforce for Skill Development Adnan Afzal Chattha as chief guest. Participants included PSDF Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Khan, Head of Programme Design Azka Munir, senior officials from SD&ED and the Bank of Punjab (BoP), along with more than 75 licensed OEPs representing various cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Mardan, Quetta, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Multan, Toba Tek Singh, Vehari, Okara and Rahim Yar Khan.
During the sessions, PSDF provided detailed briefings on the Parwaaz Card Scheme, covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, verification systems, financing arrangements and the responsibilities of partner organisations. Discussions also focused on improving operational mechanisms and strengthening collaboration between PSDF, SD&ED, the Bank of Punjab and licensed OEPs.
Addressing the participants, Adnan Afzal Chattha said the Punjab government was committed to connecting skilled workers with international markets where demand for trained manpower continues to rise, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia and other destinations.
Under the Parwaaz Card Scheme, PSDF, in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, plans to provide financial assistance to skilled workers across Punjab to help cover pre-departure expenses after they secure overseas employment offers. The scheme aims to reduce financial obstacles faced by young people seeking jobs abroad and enable access to safe and legal employment opportunities in sectors such as construction, hospitality and healthcare.
Azka Munir said PSDF was working to simplify processes among all partner organisations to make overseas employment procedures more transparent, accessible and efficient.
“By working closely with licensed OEPs, we aim to bridge international demand for skilled workers with a workforce equipped with globally recognised skills and training standards,” she added.
