Dr. Ijaz Ahmad Tarar
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the importance of learning contemporary skills cannot be
overstated. These skills, which encompass both soft and hard competencies, are crucial for securing jobs,
enhancing life prospects, and personal grooming. Moreover, possessing these skills enables individuals to
navigate and thrive in a globalized environment. For the youth of Pakistan, mastering contemporary skills
is particularly vital, as it addresses the challenges of unemployment and leverages their immense potential
for national development.
Soft skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management,
and adaptability, are essential for interacting harmoniously with others and managing various life
situations. On the other hand, hard skills, including technical proficiency, data analysis, project
management, foreign language proficiency, and digital literacy, are specific, teachable abilities necessary
for particular jobs. The combination of these skills makes individuals more competitive in the job market
and better equipped to handle career advancement opportunities.
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers seek candidates who possess a blend of soft and
hard skills. For instance, a software developer with excellent communication and teamwork abilities is
more valuable than one with just technical skills. Mastering these contemporary skills facilitates career
growth, with effective communication and leadership skills paving the way for managerial roles, while
technical skills ensure proficiency in job-specific tasks. Additionally, proficiency in foreign languages
and cultural adaptability enable individuals to work and thrive in diverse international settings, expanding
their career opportunities across the globe.
The benefits of contemporary skills extend beyond professional life. Soft skills such as problem-solving,
adaptability, and time management contribute significantly to personal growth, enabling individuals to
handle life's challenges more effectively. For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, a combination of
technical skills, marketing knowledge, and effective communication is essential for building and
sustaining a successful business.
Attaining these skills requires a proactive approach. Enrolling in courses and certifications, participating
in industry-specific workshops and seminars, gaining hands-on experience through internships, seeking
guidance from mentors, and utilizing self-learning resources like books and online tutorials are effective
ways to acquire and refine these skills. Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a wide
range of courses that can help individuals stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
Pakistan is home to a vibrant and dynamic youth population that holds tremendous potential. However,
unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many young people struggling to find suitable job
opportunities. Bridging the skills gap by equipping youth with contemporary skills can transform this
potential into tangible outcomes. By acquiring in-demand skills, Pakistani youth can enhance their
employability and reduce the unemployment rate. Skills in IT, digital marketing, and project management
are particularly relevant in the current job market.
With proper training and education, the youth can contribute to various sectors such as technology,
healthcare, and renewable energy, driving economic growth and innovation. A skilled workforce can
attract foreign investment and boost Pakistan’s position in the global economy. Fluency in languages like
English, Mandarin, or Arabic can open doors to international business opportunities. Encouraging
entrepreneurial ventures by providing the necessary skills and resources can create new job opportunities
and stimulate economic activity.
The importance of learning contemporary skills cannot be overstated, particularly for the youth of
Pakistan. These skills are essential for securing jobs, advancing careers, and thriving in a globalized
world. By focusing on both soft and hard skills, individuals can enhance their personal and professional
lives while also contributing to national development. It is imperative for educational institutions,
policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate and create opportunities for skill development, ensuring
that Pakistan’s youth are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future
A True Story
This is the inspiring story of Mr. Zafar Hayat, a successful Pakistani businessman who earned billions
through hard work and mastering the German language with minimal formal education. Now around 60,
Zafar runs two successful businesses in Pakistan and Germany.
In the 1980s, Zafar worked at a butcher shop in Lahore from age twelve due to severe poverty. With four
siblings, a laborer father, and a mother working in homes, Zafar’s contribution was vital. The daily meat
from the job was a crucial food source for his family. He managed the shop efficiently, and despite tough
home conditions, he never lost hope for a better future. His prayers for prosperity were answered when a
German-speaking customer, who had lived in Germany, sparked his interest in the language.
With good memory and dedication, Zafar quickly became conversational in German, practicing regularly
with the customer, despite his boss's disapproval. He bought a radio and began listening to German news,
retaining most of what he heard. After many months, he came to know about the German center in
Lahore. With the butcher shop closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Zafar spent those days at the then
Goethe-Institut in Lahore. His clean appearance and decent clothes helped him blend in, and a German
teacher there, impressed by his skills, admitted him to a language course. At seventeen, Zafar formally
started learning German, including reading and writing, surprising many due to his illiteracy in Urdu.
A German embassy employee, who frequented the center impressed by his language skills, suggested
Zafar move to Germany due to the high demand for butchers. Despite financial constraints, the employee
used his influence to arrange Zafar's ID, passport, and visa. At eighteen, Zafar received an embassy ticket
and secured a job in Germany.
Upon arrival, his new employer picked him up from the airport and provided accommodation, food, and a
good salary. Zafar excelled at the workshop, quickly becoming a valued worker. He noticed the high
demand for halal meat among the large Turkish Muslim population. Partnering with his employer, they
started a prosperous halal meat business. Eventually, Zafar established his own business, bringing his
entire family to Germany and helping those who supported him.
Years later, reflecting on his journey, Zafar realized the transformative power of learning a foreign
language. He often advises others that even if they have no other skills, learning a foreign language can
transform their lives, just as it did for him. His story, from a butcher shop in Lahore to a successful
businessman in Germany, is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of language.
