Lahore: From salons in Lahore to IT startups in Multan, 1,054 transgender individuals have transformed their lives through PSDF | Pehchan program – Skilling Program for Transgenders Under CM’s Skilled Punjab Initiative, many entering the workforce for the first time in history. 980+ transgenders individuals have already secured jobs with reputable employers, while others are launching their own small businesses, marking a breakthrough for industry linkages and inclusion.

This initiative directly supports the Government of Punjab’s vision under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to create a Skilled Punjab where every citizen regardless of gender or identity has access to dignified livelihoods. By prioritizing vulnerable and marginalized communities, PSDF | Pehchan reflects the government’s broader mission of inclusive growth, social justice, and economic empowerment.

PSDF | Pehchan launched in November 2024 under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Initiative, is reversing this narrative by providing transgender persons with pathways to dignity, opportunity, and recognition.

Delivered by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) in collaboration with 18+ training service providers like Depilex, Khawaja Sira Society & STEP; PSDF | Pehchan equips participants with high-demand skills in:

• Beauty & Grooming
• Culinary Arts
• Performing Arts
• Information Technology
• Handicrafts
• Digital Freelancing

Alongside technical training, the program ensures holistic support: monthly stipends, travel allowances, professional toolkits, and assistance with NADRA and PSER registration giving participants the tools and recognition to enter the workforce with dignity long denied to them.

Since its launch, PSDF | Pehchan has reached trainees in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Gujranwala. Graduates are stepping into formal jobs, freelancing careers, and entrepreneurial ventures, setting an example of what inclusive skills development can achieve.

“For too long, transgender persons have been denied opportunities others take for granted. With Pehchan, we are not just training them — we are opening doors to dignity, careers, and inclusion in Punjab’s economy,” said Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF.

As the first dedicated skills program for the transgender community in Punjab, Pehchan represents more than training it is a replicable model for inclusive economic growth, aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It reaffirms PSDF’s mission to build an economy where no one is left behind.

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has taken a significant step in socio-economic development through global upskilling initiatives under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and facilitated by Mr. Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force for Skill Development. A historic agreement was signed between Hazza Institute of Technology (HAZZA), Japan-Pakistan Innovative Institute (JPII), and PSDF to establish state-of-the-art Japanese language and cultural training centers in Punjab, providing a gateway to global opportunities for Pakistani youth in Japan.

This initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s mission to empower the youth of Punjab by equipping them with internationally competitive skills and creating pathways for employment in high-demand sectors abroad, including information technology, logistics, elderly care, hospitality, and agriculture.

The collaboration includes several key highlights, such as the establishment of six Japanese Language and Cultural Training Centers in Punjab. Through this initiative, 2,000 youth will receive training on the Japanese language, culture, and professional standards. Moreover, in partnership with JPII, guaranteed job placements will be provided in Japan for the trained individuals. Additionally, this collaboration will enhance bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between Pakistan and Japan.

Mr. Mitsuru Kiuchi, Chairman of JPII, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a bridge connecting Japan’s growing demand for skilled workers with Punjab’s exceptional talent. Together, we will create opportunities that foster economic growth and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between our nations.”

Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, added, “This initiative goes beyond training; it opens global doors for Punjab’s youth, enabling economic independence and driving socio-economic growth in the province.”
Both HAZZA and PSDF will provide financial, logistical, and operational support to ensure the program’s seamless implementation, including recruitment, training, and placements in Japan. The partnership also brings Japanese industry expertise to Punjab, with native language instructors delivering culturally immersive training and conducting final screenings.

Mr. Adnan Chattha, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the agreement, remarked, “This partnership is a monumental milestone in addressing unemployment in Punjab and creating a globally competitive workforce. It reflects our commitment to empowering the youth with opportunities that transform their lives and contribute to the province’s development.”

The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries from Pakistan and Japan, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for Punjab’s youth in the global arena.

Lahore, October 2024 – The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has entered a groundbreaking partnership with the UK-based Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH) to offer internationally recognized certifications to PSDF trainees. In line with Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, CM Skilled Punjab Program, PSDF will train 2,500 individuals this year for international placement, potentially leading to significant economic benefits for both the trainees and Pakistan.

This pivotal agreement, signed by PSDF’s Chief Programs Officer, Asim Pasha, and CTH’s Director of Development, Asad Warraich, aims to position PSDF graduates for high-demand employment opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly in the hospitality, tourism, and culinary industries.

Under this contract, PSDF trainees will receive globally accredited qualifications, enhancing their credibility and employability on a global scale. It could result in an annual economic impact of PKR 390 million in remittances (calculated at a conversion rate of 1 SR ≈ 78 PKR), thereby contributing to the country’s financial growth while improving the livelihoods of those placed.

Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, saying, “This partnership with CTH is a game-changer. It’s not just about equipping our trainees with skills; it’s about empowering them with globally recognized certifications that open doors to life-changing job opportunities abroad. We are confident that this will lead to a significant increase in international placements for our trainees, providing them with the potential to build sustainable, successful careers.”

With the introduction of global testing and certification standards, PSDF will implement qualifications in demand-driven trades to ensure that graduates are equipped with industry-relevant expertise. The first batch of internationally certified trainees is expected to secure placements by mid-2025, marking a milestone in PSDF’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in Pakistan.

CTH’s Director of Development, Asad Warraich, expressed his excitement for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to work with PSDF to provide world-class certifications to its talented trainees. This collaboration will not only help these individuals gain international recognition but also elevate their prospects in the global job market. We see this as an opportunity to empower Pakistani youth and ensure they are ready to compete for high-value roles across the GCC.”

The British Asian Trust together with leading British Asian business leaders and the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has signed a landmark agreement at the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi.

The signing formalized their partnership to build Pakistan’s first Employment Impact Bond and was hosted by Martin Dawson, Deputy Head of Mission.

The human capital constraint is a critical factor for Pakistan’s slow economic growth and low global competitiveness. With over four million youth becoming working-age in Pakistan each year, equipping them with future-ready skills can serve as a powerful driver for economic advancement in the country.

he Employment Impact Bond is being designed to ensure 40,000 jobs for young people in key growth sectors and drive a focus on long-term employment outcomes while unlocking new capital to fund social impact in Pakistan.

Impact bonds are innovative financing instruments that leverage private sector capital and expertise for development, with a focus on achieving results. They shift the focus from inputs to outcomes, performance, and results through financial incentives.

Global interest in this initiative has already led to the British Asian Trust and PSDF being awarded design funding from the Outcomes Accelerator created by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and UBS Optimus Foundation and managed by Levoca. The design of the impact bond will draw on successful examples from global contexts and will benefit from the British Asian Trust and PSDF’s shared expertise in innovative finance and skilling.

Kamyla Marvi, British Asian Trust Pakistan Director, said, “This partnership with PSDF marks a significant milestone in our efforts to drive employment for the youth of Pakistan. We are excited to bring international expertise to support the local design of the country’s first impact bond for employment. We genuinely believe that this is an opportunity to transform the approach to development finance in Pakistan leading to greater innovation, efficiency and scale.”

At the signing ceremony, Ali Akbar Bosan, COO PSDF, said, “This pioneering initiative represents a revolutionary approach to funding skills training, set to transform the landscape of skilled workforce development. The feasibility study will evaluate the potential impact, scalability, and financial viability of the Employment Impact Bond, laying the foundations for future programs. This first-of-its-kind venture in Pakistan is our commitment to innovative solutions that address the pressing need for skilled labor, promising a significant shift in how skills training programs are financed and implemented.”