Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Tuesday said that equipping Pakistan’s youth with technical, vocational and professional skills, particularly in artificial intelligence and other modern technologies, is imperative for national development, economic stability and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
In his message on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, observed globally every year on July 15 under the auspices of the United Nations, the Speaker said more than 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population consists of youth, making it indispensable to equip them with skills that meet the demands of the modern era.
He said rapid revolutionary changes are taking place in the field of technology, and nations investing in knowledge, skills and modern technology for their youth are making remarkable progress.
Referring to this year’s World Youth Skills Day theme, “Skills for a Shared Future,” Ayaz Sadiq said it reflects the reality that a sustainable and prosperous future can only be built through youth equipped with modern skills.
He said the present era is characterized by artificial intelligence, digital technology, automation and innovation, making it imperative for young people to acquire expertise in these fields so they can effectively meet future challenges.
Speaker said Pakistani youth possess immense potential to lead the country towards a technology-driven economy and play a pivotal role in national development.
Appreciating the government’s initiatives aimed at equipping youth with technical, vocational and modern skills, he said that such programmes are playing an important role in aligning young people with the needs of the future.
He emphasized the need to strengthen effective linkages among educational institutions, technical training centres, industries and the private sector to provide the younger generation with modern knowledge and skills in accordance with national and international requirements.
Ayaz Sadiq said that Parliament is committed to effective legislation for the promotion of technical and vocational education, modern skills, research and innovation among youth.
He added that the National Assembly’s Young Parliamentarians Forum is actively contributing to the promotion of modern technology, digital skills and creative capabilities among youth, through various training workshops and awareness programmes.
He said skilled, talented and technologically equipped youth can steer Pakistan towards sustainable development and prosperity.
In his message on World Youth Skills Day, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said success in the modern world depends not only on academic qualifications but also on practical, technical and modern skills.
He urged young people to focus on acquiring expertise in artificial intelligence, digital technology, cybersecurity, data analytics and other emerging fields so they can effectively confront future challenges and actively contribute to national development and economic prosperity.
The Deputy Speaker said, “Parliament remains committed to promoting skills development, innovation and modern technology among youth through effective legislation, enabling them to meet future challenges and contribute to the country’s progress”.