ISLAMABAD: Executive Director National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC ), Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema on Wednesday said that the skills development should be top priority for all the political parties. Addressing a press conference at NAVTTC office, Cheema said that special packages should be announced for TVET sector as this will alleviate poverty and boost the economy He informed the reporters that the NAVTTC has taken far reaching steps to reform skill sector on modern lines and that vast majority of youth are becoming financially independent. “For the first time in the history of Pakistan, National TVET Policy has been approved, while the industrial sector is strengthened through establishment of Sector Skills Councils,” he said. Cheema further said that nature has blessed Pakistan with a lot of bounties and that human resource among them is the most sustainable and priceless asset. “The utility of this precious capital has increased further in this region due to the growing importance of Pakistan owing to CPEC related mega projects. There is no doubt that successful completion of CPEC projects can only be possible by equipping our youth with marketable skills. Only our skilled youth can generate foreign remittances and make a huge increase in the country’s economy,” he maintained. He also referred the apex body of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the country that has taken various initiatives to modernize skills sector at par with international standards. He further claimed that during the past two years, NAVTTC has taken cogent steps towards increasing collaboration with private sector and the industries. According to Cheema, renowned industrialists have been invited in this regard to contribute towards an organised and sustainable collaboration. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have been established for the first time in the history of the country for this purpose. These councils have been constituted to guide the youth and enhance collaboration among all the stakeholders. Similarly, Institute Management Committees (IMCs) have been set up to operate technical training institutes on modern lines in an effective way. Appropriate representation has been given to the industrial sector. Additionally, private and industrial sectors have been given enhanced role in raising the quality of technical skills through their active involvement in curriculum development, on-the-job training and devising effective examination and placement system.