Flagship initiative of the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Program expected to generate nearly USD 250,000 in annual remittances

LAHORE: PSDF, through its Tabeer program, launched under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Program,has successfully facilitated overseas employment for more than 65 young Pakistanis, who received their job offer letters on Friday to begin work as Lead workers in Qatar.

The placements mark a dual milestone; securing dignified, well-paying employment for Punjab’s youth while strengthening Pakistan’s broader economic resilience.

Collectively, more than 65 workers in this batch are expected to contribute close to USD 250,000 annually in remittances, injecting much-needed foreign exchange into the economy, supporting households across the province, and reinforcing Pakistan’s balance of payments. On average, each Pakistani worker abroad sends home an estimated USD 3,000- 5,000 a year, part of more than USD 32 billion in remittances Pakistan received last year.

A model for skills-driven economic growth. The PSDF–Tabeer program is designed to connect Pakistani youth with overseas labour markets through demand-driven training. The decision to place candidates specifically as Lead Workers reflects the program’s emphasis on preparing the workforce not only for employment, but for roles of responsibility and leadership abroad.

Delivered by PSDF in collaboration with Alif – Recruitment C Manpower Solutions, the program ensures that participants are equipped with the right skills, certifications, and job-readiness to meet international employer expectations.

As one of the first large-scale initiatives focused on structured overseas placements, PSDF–Tabeer positions itself as more than a training program, it is a blueprint for channeling Pakistan’s demographic dividend into the global labour market.

“For us, this is not only about creating jobs but about transforming futures. Through PSDF–Tabeer, young Pakistanis are securing dignified, well-paying positions abroad, contributing to their families and to the economic strength of Pakistan,” said Ahmed Khan, CEO, PSDF.

“This milestone aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of exporting skilled workers to the Gulf region.

It is only the beginning of what we aim to accomplish, as many more such opportunities are in the pipeline. The journey has just started, and there is a lot more to come,” added Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on Skills Development.

Through demand-driven programs such as Tabeer, PSDF works to unlock prosperity for individuals, families, and the nation by aligning training with real market needs.