Youth Must Be Equipped With Modern Skills, Not Just Degrees: Rana Sikandar

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has stressed the urgent need to equip young people with modern, market-relevant skills, warning that academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient for success.
He was speaking at the “One Day, One University” programme organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
The event brought together business leaders, educationists, and students, featuring an exhibition of innovative projects developed by university participants. The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol and the provincial minister.
In his address, Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that “degrees without skills are meaningless” in today’s competitive global economy. He noted that only those young individuals who acquire modern technical and professional skills will be able to succeed.
The minister revealed that the government has identified 57 key sectors expected to generate significant employment opportunities by 2050, and training programmes are being aligned accordingly. He added that the Punjab government aims to train over one million youth during the current year.
Highlighting institutional reforms, he said a dedicated Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department has been established for the first time to focus on capacity building and job readiness.
Referring to Pakistan’s growing IT exports, he acknowledged positive trends but stressed that freelancers must further enhance their skills to remain competitive in international markets. He also announced that 100,000 laptops are being distributed among students, including—for the first time—those enrolled in private universities.
The minister shared that the provincial government has declared 2026 as the “Year of Youth,” with multiple initiatives planned to empower young people. These include the establishment of three modern training labs designed to align education with industry needs.
Encouraging a shift in mindset, he urged youth to pursue entrepreneurship alongside traditional employment, noting that Pakistan has ample resources that must be effectively utilized.
Earlier, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol highlighted that the chamber has designated the current year as the “Year of Industry-Academia Linkages,” stressing that strong coordination between educational institutions and industry is essential for sustainable economic development.
Chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. He added that a large-scale innovation exhibition under Punjab Innovation is being planned, with over 1,500 expected entries, providing students a platform to showcase their talent.