Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his administration’s commitment to structural reforms, including the merit-based appointment of technical experts, institutional downsizing, and digital economic transformation during a high-level meeting on Saturday.
The meeting focused on reviewing the recruitment of technical professionals in federal ministries and agencies, while also discussing strategic measures to attract foreign investment through institutional reform and sectoral development.
Chaired by the Prime Minister, the session included a detailed presentation from the Public-Private Partnership Authority, which outlined current efforts and upcoming plans aimed at improving expert recruitment procedures and building investor confidence.
During his address, PM Shehbaz stressed that reforming public institutions remains a top priority of the government. He underscored that all appointments would be made with full transparency and on merit. “We are resolutely pursuing our agenda of digitising the economy, streamlining government bodies, and ensuring the inclusion of technical professionals based solely on their merit,” he asserted.
The meeting was briefed that 15 technical expert posts had already been filled, while recruitment for 47 more positions is ongoing. About 30 candidates have been shortlisted for senior leadership roles including CEOs, CFOs, and managing directors across seven federal ministries and departments.
Initial interviews have been completed for positions within the Petroleum Division and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). Ministries have also designated dedicated teams to strategize and formulate sector-specific investment roadmaps.
The Prime Minister was informed that sectoral frameworks in key areas such as food security, maritime development, tourism, minerals, housing, industry, and energy are nearing finalization. Additionally, investment “pitch-books” for 18 economic sectors have been prepared, aimed at securing project investments from countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Launch of Pakistan’s First Skill Impact Bond
In a landmark decision, PM Shehbaz approved Pakistan’s first-ever Skill Impact Bond programme. The initiative aims to channel private investment into educational and vocational institutions that train youth in high-demand, market-relevant skills. The goal is to enable sustainable employment and increase workforce competitiveness.
Under the programme, only institutions that successfully produce skilled professionals will receive funding. Youth will be trained in contemporary skills tailored to industry needs, empowering them to contribute effectively to national economic growth.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to offer training in the native languages of potential host countries to help young Pakistanis prepare for overseas job opportunities. He committed to personally reviewing the project’s progress every two months.
The meeting was informed that the Digital Youth Hub has registered over 500,000 users, with 1.7 million downloads of its mobile app. The platform currently lists 47,000 domestic job openings, 100,000 international opportunities, and more than 2,000 available scholarships. Over 500 companies are now registered with the initiative.
EU Farewell and Meetings on Key Issues
In a separate meeting, European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Riina Kionka, paid a farewell visit to the Prime Minister. PM Shehbaz highlighted the EU’s status as a major trading partner and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the GSP Plus trade regime, which he described as mutually beneficial.
He also met with Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, the sister of detained Pakistani scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui, assuring her that the government remains fully engaged in providing legal and diplomatic support in her case. “The government has not been negligent in pursuing justice for Dr Aafia Siddiqui,” PM Shehbaz said.
Later in the day, Nawabzada Mohsin Ali Khan, former provincial president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), officially joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in a meeting held at the PM Office.
