The Punjab government has announced a new initiative titled “Parwaz Card”, aimed at providing overseas employment opportunities to young people across the province.
According to Ali Ramey, the scheme is designed to help 45,000 youths secure jobs abroad over a three-year period, while also strengthening Pakistan’s foreign remittance inflows.
Rs. 6.9 Billion Approved for Initial Phase
The Planning and Development Board has approved Rs. 6.9 billion for the first three years of the project.
Under the plan, skilled manpower will be prepared for multiple sectors including healthcare, construction, information technology (IT), and other technical fields.
The annual targets include:
8,000 youths in the first year
15,000 youths in the second year
22,000 youths in the third year
Training, Verification, and Travel Support Included
The Parwaz Card program will cover skills training, pre-departure orientation, and skills verification to ensure candidates meet international job market requirements.
In addition, the scheme includes expenses related to:
- Biometric verification
- Medical examinations
- Protectorate processing
- Air tickets
Interest-Free Loans for Overseas Employment
Eligible participants will receive interest-free loans ranging from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 1 million to cover employment-related expenses.
Loan repayment will begin after a three-month grace period and will be spread over 15 months through easy installments.
Monthly installments will range between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 80,000, while beneficiaries will also be allowed to withdraw up to 20% of the loan amount in cash.
Eligibility Criteria and Economic Impact
Under the scheme, applicants must:
-
Possess a confirmed job offer letter
-
Be a resident of Punjab
Government estimates suggest that the Parwaz Card initiative could generate up to $200 million annually in foreign remittances, providing a significant boost to Pakistan’s economy.
