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KARACHI, September 7, 2026: The Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), has successfully completed the first phase of its youth skills development programme.
The initiative aims to equip young Pakistanis with practical technical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to help them secure employment and start their own businesses.
Under the first phase, 75 students in Quaidabad received hands-on training in mining techniques, import-export documentation, value addition and other industry-related practices.
SMAP said the programme is designed to align youth skills with market requirements while creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and export growth.
SMAP Chairperson Saima Akhtar and former Chairman Qasim Yaqoob Paracha described the completion of the Punjab training programme as an important milestone.
They announced that the next phase will begin next month in Karachi, Khewra, Toba and Layyah, with a target of training 250 young men and women.
Qasim Yaqoob Paracha said the success of the first phase had encouraged SMAP to expand the programme. He stressed that industry-linked training is important for creating employment opportunities and strengthening Pakistan’s export potential.
Saima Akhtar said training young people in mining, value addition and trade can help strengthen local industries and increase exports. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between industry and technical training institutions for sustainable economic growth.
SMAP leaders appreciated the efforts of Shah Shamas ul Arifeen, Coordinator for SMAP, NAVTTC teams and partner training institutes in successfully implementing the programme.
They said providing young people with modern and industry-relevant skills is essential for employment generation and Pakistan’s economic stability.
Saima Akhtar reaffirmed SMAP’s commitment to supporting national development through initiatives focused on employment, entrepreneurship and export growth.
