Muhammad Saleem

Faisalabad’s creative youth have the potential to drive the next wave of business innovation if they are empowered with platforms to polish their skills and turn their ideas into productive ventures.

“We need to shape the mindset of youngsters through proper training that can help them cope with emerging challenges. Technological advancements are transforming business and production methods; however, our youth are not yet capable of efficiently handling these developments,” noted Salamat Ali, former central chairman of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said that lack of interest, shortage of skills and limited entrepreneurial qualities are hurdles restricting young people from moving forward. Salamat emphasised that the government should implement programmes that connect young people with factories, enabling them to acquire practical skills aligned with modern challenges and local industry demands.

“While ample knowledge exists to train the youth, ironically neither teachers nor learners seem interested in staying updated with emerging developments.” “We have to accept that practical arrangements to put the youth on the right track are lacking. The ability to finance is a main problem for people with innovative ideas. Youngsters have brilliant ideas; but banks and investors usually do not see much sense in funding an untested concept. 

“Young entrepreneurs have to struggle a lot in securing the money to launch or scale their businesses.” Another challenge, he said, is the lack of exposure as many young people do not have networks to connect with larger businesses or international markets. Salamat said that skill gaps are also a serious concern. “Many young entrepreneurs are strong in ideas, but they need more knowledge in marketing, management, and digital tools. Without proper training, it is hard for young people to grow quickly.”

Raheel Ahmed, an industrialist, told Wealth Pakistan that youngsters visit his firm for jobs and seek input for launching their own ventures. “They have innovative ideas to take the yarn industry to the next level. I frequently speak with young people about ways to boost the national economy. Faisalabad’s creative youth clearly have the potential to drive the next wave of business innovation.”

“Taking into consideration their attitudes and ways of thinking, it is clear that they should be properly supported, trained, and given opportunities. I am confident that with proper guidance, strong team alliances, and investments, these young people can make Faisalabad a business capital of opportunities," he added.

Raheel said that a successful entrepreneur in Faisalabad efficiently trained his three sons to join his garments exports business. “When he took this step, most businessmen in the district thought it was a wrong approach to involve children in practical work rather than focusing solely on their academic development. However, circumstances have now proven that the entrepreneur made the right decision, as his sons are now job providers and are taking the business to the next level,” he said.

The industrialist said that young people are inventive and capable of modernising traditional businesses. For example, he pointed out that in textiles, information technology and e-commerce, small startups with innovative ideas are already emerging.   “With proper direction, and finances, they can contribute a lot in the business arena. Young people are dynamic and innovative. To help them actualise their ideas into reality, they require the platforms of success,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk