**Federal Minister Calls for National Transformation Through Skills and Youth Empowerment**
Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has called on Pakistan to prioritize practical skills and youth empowerment, with a special focus on women, in order to foster national progress and global competitiveness. Delivering the keynote address at the World Skills Day ceremony organized by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Dr. Siddiqui urged a fundamental shift in attitudes toward education and opportunity, asserting that countries which embrace change will lead the future.
Addressing a gathering of students, educators, and government leaders, Dr. Siddiqui began by recognizing the efforts of NAVTTC’s leadership and his counterparts in the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and technical institutions nationwide. He applauded the dedication of organizers and highlighted the participation of a significant number of young women in the ongoing skills competitions, noting their vital role in shaping the nation’s direction.
In his remarks, Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that the pace of global change demands a new mindset. “Only those individuals and nations willing to change can hope to progress,” he said. He described Pakistan as not merely a country, but an idea and a mission with profound responsibilities, especially toward the broader Muslim world. Referencing the trust placed in Pakistan across conflicted regions such as Gaza, he underscored the country’s reputation as a symbol of hope and leadership.
Dr. Siddiqui advocated for the pursuit of ilm-e-nafe—knowledge that directly benefits society—insisting that degrees alone are no longer sufficient. In today’s world, he said, the focus must shift to what individuals can accomplish in practical terms. “Skill is the defining need of our times,” he argued, stressing that creative, technical, and vocational training are key to individual and national success.
The minister described the National Skills Competition as a starting point, reminding participants that their real competition is on a global stage. For Pakistan to thrive, he said, the country must invest seriously in developing its vast youth potential, especially as it boasts one of the world’s largest youth populations. With over 150 million people under 30 and nearly 180 million under 35, Dr. Siddiqui noted that Pakistan’s “youth bulge” stood in stark contrast to the aging demographics of more developed nations.
Challenging the negative discourse on brain drain, Dr. Siddiqui reframed the migration of skilled young professionals as a “brain train,” where abroad experience ultimately fuels domestic progress. “Our youth working overseas are an investment in Pakistan’s future. With international exposure, they return equipped to modernize and strengthen the nation,” he said.
A significant portion of his speech highlighted women’s achievements and challenges. Dr. Siddiqui cited examples of female excellence in education, with the majority of recent academic gold medalists being women, and noted that in his own medical alma mater, female students overwhelmingly outnumber male peers based on merit. Despite this, he criticized the limited opportunities for women outside academia, urging families—especially fathers—to support their daughters’ participation in the workforce. “We have handed women degrees and stethoscopes, but not enough avenues to use them. That must change,” he asserted, adding that reaching national aspirations is impossible without the full inclusion of women.
Concluding his address, Dr. Siddiqui called for urgency and vision as Pakistan lays the groundwork for its future. He encouraged the nation to move rapidly, work harder, and build a society worthy of its potential. His message was met with enthusiastic applause, marking the ceremony as a rallying moment for national transformation rooted in skill, opportunity, and merit for all.
