ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the government had allocated Rs1 billion to for creating decent employment opportunities, strengthening social protection systems and supporting more inclusive economic growth.
In a statement he said the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the National Steering Committee, with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), will lead the initiative, the minister said.
The allocation reflects the government’s strong ownership of the initiative and complements ongoing technical assistance provided by the ILO. It will help unlock decent work opportunities in priority sectors and accelerate Pakistan’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, he said.
The investment will support the development of a national roadmap for decent jobs with clear, time-bound targets.
It will also help advance the formalization of the economy by bringing informal workers and enterprises into the formal economy while expanding social protection coverage.
In addition, the initiative will support targeted interventions to increase labour force participation among young people and women, including through the care economy and digital transformation.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development emphasized, “This PKR 1 billion (USD 3.6 million) allocation is a powerful catalyst with enormous strategic significance.
It equips the Government to pilot innovative approaches to formalization and turn Pakistan’s demographic dividend into an economic opportunity, particularly for young people and women.”
Geir Tonstol, Country Director of the ILO in Pakistan stated, “The ILO is proud to support this partnership with the Government and social partners.
Together, we are working to ensure that economic growth translates into more decent work opportunities, stronger social protection systems, and more inclusive and resilient labour markets across Pakistan.”
Mohammad Yahya, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan said, “Through the Global Accelerator, supported by the Joint SDG Fund and the United Nations system, Pakistan is demonstrating how strategic investments can expand decent employment opportunities, strengthen social protection systems and accelerate the transition to formality.
The Government’s contribution reflects the strength of national ownership and partnership, setting an important example of how investments in jobs and social protection can drive inclusive growth and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the UN representative.
The initiative is aligned with the Government’s fiscal strategy for FY 2026–27, which targets 4 per cent GDP growth and the creation of 2 million new jobs.Over the coming months, the National Steering Committee, with ILO support, will finalise the National Roadmap for Decent Jobs.
Led by the OPHRD, the process will bring together key stakeholders to translate the Government’s employment commitments into measurable results across the country, the Federal Minister Ch. Salik said.
Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026