In today’s rapidly evolving economy, acquiring practical skills is more important than ever. With youth unemployment on the rise in many developing countries, including Pakistan, governments are increasingly turning toward skill development initiatives. One such transformative initiative is the Ehsaas Hunar Program, launched under the broader Ehsaas umbrella by the Government of Pakistan.
This program aims to equip individuals—particularly the youth, women, and underprivileged segments of society—with market-relevant skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency. In this article, we’ll provide a complete overview of the Ehsaas Hunar Program, explain how it works, explore its detailed features, pros, cons, alternatives, and ultimately how you can benefit from this initiative.
What is the Ehsaas Hunar Program?
The Ehsaas Hunar Program is a government-funded initiative designed to empower Pakistani citizens by providing them with technical and vocational skills. The term “Hunar” translates to “skill,” and the program lives up to its name by aiming to create a skilled workforce that can contribute to national development.
Key Goals of the Program:
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To reduce poverty by enhancing employability.
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To promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
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To train 50,000+ individuals annually in various high-demand fields.
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To bridge the skill gap between education and industry.
It forms a vital component of the Ehsaas umbrella—Pakistan’s flagship poverty alleviation and social safety initiative launched by the government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and now carried forward under continued state support.
How Ehsaas Hunar Program Works
The Ehsaas Hunar Program follows a well-structured process from application to training completion. Here’s a breakdown of how the program works:
Step 1: Registration
Interested individuals can register online via the official Ehsaas portal or through designated NADRA centers and partner training institutions.
Step 2: Eligibility Verification
Applicants must meet certain criteria:
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Must be a Pakistani citizen.
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Aged typically between 18 to 40 years.
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Belong to a low-income or unemployed category.
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Must not be previously enrolled in similar government training programs.
Step 3: Training Center Allocation
Once selected, the candidate is assigned a training center near their location. These centers are government-certified and partner with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
Step 4: Skill Development Courses
Participants undergo free training in areas such as:
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Information Technology
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Tailoring & Dress Designing
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Mobile Repairing
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Plumbing
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Electrician Courses
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Mechanical Work
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Beauty & Hairdressing
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Handicrafts
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E-commerce & Freelancing
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Graphic Design, and more.
Step 5: Certification
After successful completion of the course, the participants receive NAVTTC or TEVTA-accredited certificates, enhancing their employability both locally and internationally.
Step 6: Job Placement / Business Support
Some centers also offer job placement assistance or microfinance options to start a small business through other Ehsaas-linked programs such as Ehsaas Amdan.
Features of Ehsaas Hunar Program [Completely Detailing]
The Ehsaas Hunar Program is not just about training—it’s a comprehensive development initiative. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features:
1. Free Skill Training
All courses under the program are 100% free, ensuring access for all deserving candidates.
2. Nationwide Training Centers
More than 700+ training institutes are registered under the program across urban and rural Pakistan.
3. Diverse Course Offerings
From traditional trades to modern digital skills, the program offers a diverse curriculum tailored to current job market needs.
4. Focus on Women Empowerment
Special training courses are offered exclusively for women in areas like beautician training, stitching, embroidery, and digital freelancing.
5. Monthly Stipend
Eligible students receive a monthly stipend during the training duration to cover travel and meal expenses.
6. Toolkits Distribution
On course completion, participants may receive starter toolkits like sewing machines, toolsets, or laptops to help start their careers.
7. Industry Linkages
The program connects graduates to potential employers and local industries looking for skilled workers.
8. Entrepreneurial Support
Graduates are encouraged to launch their own businesses and may be guided to avail financing through Ehsaas Interest-Free Loans.
9. Online Application Portal
A centralized and mobile-responsive portal is available for course registration, updates, and certificate downloads.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation
Strict monitoring mechanisms ensure transparency, quality of training, and post-training evaluation.
Pros of Ehsaas Hunar Program [Use Table]
| Pros | Details |
|---|---|
| Free of Cost | No tuition or registration fees are charged. |
| Practical & In-Demand Skills | Focused on market-relevant skills that improve employability. |
| Certificate Recognition | Courses are certified by NAVTTC and accepted nationally and internationally. |
| Gender-Inclusive | Special facilities and programs for women participants. |
| Economic Uplift | Contributes to household income and long-term financial independence. |
| Entrepreneurial Training | Includes business setup support and microfinance links. |
| Local Accessibility | Training centers are spread throughout the country. |
| Digital & Traditional Courses | Caters to both IT-savvy and technically inclined individuals. |
| Empowerment Toolkits | Provides free tools to kick-start a trade or business. |
| Reduced Unemployment | Helps tackle joblessness, especially in rural areas. |
| Cons | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited Seats | High demand may lead to many deserving candidates being left out. |
| Variable Quality | Some training centers may not meet high standards or have experienced staff. |
| Language Barriers | Course material may not always be available in local languages. |
| Lack of Advanced Specialization | Limited scope for specialized or higher-level technical training. |
| Technology Access Gap | Some applicants lack internet access to register or attend IT-related courses. |
| Delays in Stipend Distribution | In some cases, stipends are delayed due to administrative issues. |
| Not Suitable for All | Manual trades may not interest youth focused only on digital careers. |
| Limited Post-Training Follow-up | Some participants report inadequate job placement or business help. |
| Alternative Program | Description |
|---|---|
| NAVTTC Skill Development Programs | National training programs for youth with industry partnerships. |
| PM Youth Skill Development Program | Technical & vocational education for youth, managed by PM Office. |
| TEVTA Provincial Programs | Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan have their own vocational training bodies. |
| Kamyab Jawan Program | Offers loans and skill-building for youth entrepreneurship. |
| DigiSkills Program | Free online courses in freelancing, e-commerce, and digital skills. |
| Hunarmand Pakistan | An advanced NAVTTC initiative for skill development across 500+ institutions. |
| UNDP & NGO-Led Programs | Various NGOs offer vocational courses in partnership with the government. |
The Ehsaas Hunar Program stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of Pakistanis seeking to change their lives through skill acquisition. In a country where youth make up more than 60% of the population, the demand for employment and self-sufficiency tools is critical. By offering accessible, free, and market-driven training, the program bridges the gap between education and employment.
However, the true success of the program lies not just in how many are trained but in how many lives are changed—through jobs, businesses, and increased confidence. While there are some limitations such as quality variation or limited seats, the Ehsaas Hunar Program still plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s development and deserves recognition for its positive impact.
If you or someone you know is unemployed or looking to gain new skills, the Ehsaas Hunar Program may just be the first step towards a better future. Always check the official Ehsaas website or visit your nearest NADRA center or training institute to get started.
