Education Minister Backs PHMA Plan to Train 10,000 Youth Through NAVTTC Programme

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui pledges federal support as PHMA-IKTK graduates 260 trainees, with around 80% reportedly securing jobs.

Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has pledged government support for the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) to expand its vocational training programme. The initiative aims to equip up to 10,000 young people with practical skills through PHMA institutes.

The announcement came during a certificate distribution ceremony in Karachi. The event marked the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP), launched in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).

A total of 260 trainees completed the programme. PHMA delivered the training through its Institute of Knitwear Technology (IKTK) and industry partners.

Addressing the ceremony, Siddiqui praised PHMA’s efforts to promote technical and vocational education. He said practical training was essential to prepare young people for jobs and support economic growth.

The minister also stressed the need for digital learning, modern technology and updated training programmes. He said stronger cooperation between educational institutions and businesses would help Pakistan develop a skilled workforce and improve its industrial and export performance.

Siddiqui backed PHMA’s proposal to expand the programme and train 10,000 young people. He also called for more employment and business opportunities for women.

PHMA Patron-in-Chief Muhammad Jawed Bilwani highlighted the association’s long-standing role in developing skilled workers for Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry. He said the Institute of Knitwear Technology had been providing technical education since its establishment in 2002.

Bilwani said all 260 trainees had completed the pilot programme, with around 80% securing employment. He also announced PHMA’s plan to train another 3,000 individuals over the next three years.

He called for increased training allocations and continued NAVTTC support to expand the initiative.

Bilwani added that PHMA and NAVTTC would jointly develop new national qualifications based on industry needs. He also shared examples of former trainees who had advanced from factory jobs to entrepreneurship and senior industry positions.

NAVTTC Sindh Director General Dr. Fida Bazai reaffirmed the commission’s support for skills-based training. He said future cooperation would focus on developing updated curricula, improving trainers’ skills and introducing standardised assessments.

He added that the partnership would also work to create more employment opportunities. Bazai praised PHMA’s training facilities and said the pilot programme showed the benefits of connecting vocational education with industry needs.

PHMA Institutes Chairman Faisal Arshad Sheikh highlighted the institute’s contribution to training thousands of workers for Pakistan’s textile export sector. He called for more training programmes and higher funding to meet the industry’s workforce demands.

The ceremony was attended by Senator Khalida Ateeb, MNA Sabheen Ghouri, MPA Farah Sohail and former lawmakers Keshwar Zehra, Salman Mujahid and Rehan Hashmi. PHMA office-bearers, industry representatives and NAVTTC officials were also present.

The chief guest distributed certificates among the graduates. PHMA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding skills training, creating employment opportunities for young people, supporting women’s economic participation and strengthening Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry.