he Pakistani youth are at a crossroads. The choices they make and the opportunities they seize today will affect not only their personal future but also the future of the country.

Empowering young people through skill training is one of the best methods to help them recognise and realise their potential, providing them with a gateway to being financially independent. The value of learning and acquiring skills cannot be overstated. This is particularly true for those looking for employment abroad. Once suitably trained, the young Pakistanis can make contributions that not only benefit their families but also make their country a better place.

The need for young, professional labour has never been greater. Countries across Europe and the Middle East are recruiting workers with specialised skills relevant to production, engineering, healthcare and information technology.

For many young Pakistanis, the possibilities around the globe are a pathway to earning sustainable livelihoods and improve their households. The billions of dollars in remittances made by overseas Pakistani workers each year are a lifeline for Pakistan’s financial needs. These help sustain households, fund education and fuel economic activity.

Securing these opportunities requires a willingness for hard work and talent that meets global standards. Without proper schooling, training and qualifications, many youngsters are left with few alternatives. Some of them conclude that illegal migration is a solution to their problems. This route is fraught with risks that range from exploitation by human traffickers to the physical and emotional toll of dwelling and working in harsh, strange environments.

Tragic outcomes of illegal migration are poorly documented if at all. The dangers are never-ending. The illegal immigrants have to live like eternal outsiders who have no place in the society.

Skill development is a powerful tool for the empowerment of youngsters. It can provide them with the competence and self-belief to pursue significant careers, whether at home or overseas. Mastery of marketable skills raises one’s employability, fosters entrepreneurship and protects people from the dangers of unlawful migration. Skilled workers are better prepared to compete in the global market for labour and more likely to get consistent employment.

Skill building and youth empowerment are deeply connected. Skills are the currency of the global economy. People who acquire advanced skills have an advantage over others. Skill development goes beyond a superficial knowledge of technical facts; it includes the ability to hold a conversation and a knack for problem solving. These capabilities are vital for success in any discipline. These are essential tools for young individuals aspiring to work abroad.

Empowerment, in this context, is much more than just being financially independent. It is giving young people the realisation to take charge of their lives, make informed choices and make meaningful contributions to the society.

When the youth are empowered with the requisite skill sets, they can overcome demanding situations and seize the opportunities that come their way. Such empowerment has a ripple effect, as the empowered youth encourage others and make contributions to innovation and development.

In Pakistan as well as abroad, the market demands more than just a degree. Platforms and sessions giving awareness about the realities of illegal migration can highlight the importance for skill building and warn the youth about the dangers of taking poor decisions. Such awareness programmes are designed to attract men aged 18-35, a demographic that is prone to the fantasies of illegal migration due to financial pressures, restrained opportunities and the pervasive influence of migration agents. The purpose is to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration, health hazards, and exploitation.

Many Pakistani youngsters are ignorant of the harsh realities of illegal migration. Accurate reporting of the problems inherent in illegal migration can make them aware so that they can keep away from the dangerous paths that often results in loss of life and money.

The awareness platforms must emphasise skill development as a legitimate and sustainable pathway to financial empowerment. The participants should be introduced to vocational schooling applications, both local and international, that equip them with the skills needed for getting employment at foreign places. These programmes cover a variety of industries that include construction, manufacturing, information and healthcare.

By obtaining the required awareness and skills, they can enhance their employability and their earning capacity.

Organising skill update and youth empowerment programmes is important. Businesses can leverage their assets, records and networks to create possibilities for younger workers by offering internships, apprenticeships and mentorships. By investing in the improvement of the young generation, they can help create a professional and competitive team of workers.

The government must play its part by introducing reforms that encourage investment in vocational schooling. Additionally, the authorities must make sure that Pakistani qualifications are recognised in foreign places, allowing skilled workers to compete on an equal footing in the markets worldwide.

Pakistan’s economic future depends on the empowerment of its youth. By investing in talent building, Pakistan can become a key player in the international market, exporting not just raw material but also professionals who can demand competitive wages.

Skill development has the capacity to cope with some of the most urgent challenges Pakistan is going through due to unemployment, poverty and social inequality. By imparting the youth with the capabilities they need, we can reduce our reliance on illegal migration, mitigate brain drain and create a better society.

The youth are Pakistan’s most valuable asset today. Their capabilities should be harnessed for economic growth and social development.

The writer is a director at Digital Time Communications based in Islamabad