Loud Thinking

Submitted for the kind consideration of the Prime Minister of Pakistan

Background

In line with the Prime Minister’s recent directives, as reported in the press, regarding the expedited placement of Pakistani manpower in Gulf countries, there is a compelling opportunity to fundamentally transform Pakistan’s economic outlook through a strategic shift from low-paid, unskilled labor export to high-value, certified skilled workforce export.

At present, millions of Pakistani expatriate workers are employed abroad at very low remuneration levels, primarily due to the lack of internationally recognized skills training and certification. This has constrained Pakistan’s remittance potential despite the large size of its overseas workforce.

Problem Statement

While Gulf and other developed countries have a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople, Pakistan exports predominantly low-skilled or semi-skilled labor, resulting in:

• Low wages for Pakistani workers abroad
• Underutilization of Pakistan’s young and capable workforce
• Missed opportunities for exponential growth in remittances

Highly paid and consistently in-demand trades abroad include:

• Culinary arts (chefs, bakers, food technologists)
• Plumbing and sanitary services
• Electrical and power technicians
• Nursing and allied healthcare services
• Automobile repair and diagnostics
• Hairdressing, beauty, and personal care services

These professions command multiple times higher salaries compared to general labor categories in Gulf countries, Europe, East Asia, and North America.

Strategic Opportunity

If Pakistan systematically trains and exports workers who are:

• Professionally skilled
• Certified by world-recognized institutions
• Aligned with international labor market requirements

then Pakistan can increase its annual remittances by more than USD 150 billion within the next three to four years, according to conservative projections based on wage differentials and demand trends.

Such an increase in remittances has the potential to:

• Stabilize foreign exchange reserves
• Reduce reliance on external borrowing
• Strengthen the Pakistani rupee
• Improve household incomes and poverty indicators
• Rapidly alter Pakistan’s economic landscape in a short timeframe

• Proposed Policy Measures

To achieve this objective, the following measures are proposed for immediate consideration and implementation:

1. National High-Value Skills Export Initiative

Launch a focused national program under NAVTTC/TEVTAs to prioritize highly paid international trades, particularly those in demand in Gulf countries.

2. International Certification Framework

Partner with world-recognized certification bodies (e.g., City & Guilds, Pearson, NVQs, international nursing councils, global hospitality institutes) to ensure Pakistani workers meet global standards.

3. Fast-Track Digital Skill Mapping

Leverage complete digitization and online monitoring (as already directed by the Prime Minister) to:

• Map skilled workers in real time
• Match them with overseas demand
• Track placement, wages, and performance

4. Ministry-Led Overseas Placement Drive

Direct the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to:

• Secure government-to-government labor agreements
• Negotiate skill-specific quotas with Gulf states
• Promote Pakistan as a reliable supplier of certified skilled manpower

 5. Apprenticeship and Industry Linkages

Ensure strict implementation of the Apprenticeship Law by linking training institutes with:

• Hotels, hospitals, workshops, and construction firms
• Domestic and international employers

6. Youth-Focused Skill Transformation

Target Pakistani youth with structured pathways from training → certification → overseas employment, reducing unemployment while maximizing national returns.

Expected Outcomes

If implemented with urgency and coordination, this strategy will:

Shift Pakistan from low-wage labor export to high-income skill export

• Multiply remittance inflows within 3–4 years
• Enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a skilled manpower hub
• Deliver rapid and sustainable economic gains

Conclusion:

Pakistan’s young workforce is rich in potential but under-leveraged. By emphasizing the export of trained, certified, and globally competitive skills, the Government of Pakistan can unlock unprecedented economic benefits in a very short time.

This proposal fully aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of modernizing vocational training, accelerating overseas employment, and maximizing the value of Pakistani human capital.

Submitted with utmost respect for kind consideration and necessary directions.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad

Lahore – Pakistan

+92 321 9402157

14th January, 2026

nayyarahmad51@gmail.com The writer is a senior corporate leader and strategic analyst. His thought-provoking visionary insights have reshaped global discourse, capturing the attention of world leaders. His writings have not only resonated with heads of state and governments but have also influenced the foreign policies of the United States and other major powers.