Islamabad, July 17,2026: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, has said that empowering Pakistan’s youth with modern, market-driven and technology-oriented skills is imperative for addressing unemployment, enhancing productivity and building a competitive economy. He stressed that Pakistan’s rapidly growing young population can become the country’s greatest economic strength if equipped with skills that correspond to the evolving requirements of local and international job markets.
He expressed these views while talking to visiting delegations representing different sectors of trade and industry at the Chamber House here on Friday. He said that conventional education alone is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming global economy, and greater emphasis must be placed on technical and vocational education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, data analytics, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.
Tahir Ayub said that a significant gap continues to exist between the skills imparted by educational and training institutions and those actually required by employers. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among the government, academia, technical training institutions and the private sector to develop demand-driven curricula and practical training programmes. He said that industry must be actively involved in identifying future skill requirements so that young people can be prepared for real employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
He stressed the importance of facilitating aspiring entrepreneurs through access to finance, incubation facilities, mentorship, digital platforms and business development services. ICCI, he added, remains committed to promoting initiatives aimed at connecting young talent with the business community and creating opportunities for their professional and entrepreneurial growth.
Vice President ICCI Irfan Chaudhry emphasized that businesses and industries should strengthen internship, apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities to provide youth with practical exposure and workplace experience.
Members of the visiting delegations appreciated ICCI’s emphasis on youth development and agreed that investment in modern skills is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable economic progress.
