In a major step to retain skilled youth, the federal government has announced a special initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for young engineers across Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said the government will soon roll out a structured one-year practical training program for fresh engineering graduates, ensuring they do not remain unemployed or feel compelled to seek jobs abroad. Speaking about the initiative, Iqbal, himself an engineer, stressed the need to invest in local talent to strengthen national development.

Under the program, around 10,000 freshly graduated engineers will be inducted every year and placed on ongoing development projects across the country. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend of PKR50,000, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while working under the supervision of senior professionals and technical experts.

The initiative is planned as a five-year program and is expected to benefit nearly 50,000 engineers in total. Officials say the scheme will help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical fieldwork, which has long been a challenge for engineering graduates entering the job market.

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The program also aligns with the Prime Minister’s broader youth-focused agenda, which prioritizes skill development, employment generation, and economic growth. By offering real-world exposure on infrastructure, energy, and development projects, the government hopes to build a stronger and more capable workforce.

Analysts believe the initiative could significantly reduce brain drain, improve project execution capacity, and boost confidence among young professionals, while contributing directly to Pakistan’s long-term development goals.