The government of the Pakistani province of Punjab have announced plans to spend some two billion rupees (£14 million) on offering vocational training course for up to 100,000 youngsters.

To be rolled out as part of the Prime Minister's Special Initiative Programme, the funding would place particular emphasis on developing the skills of youngsters looking to work in some of Pakistan's leading industries, including the oil and gas sector, construction and light engineering.

According to National Vocational and Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC) regional director for Punjab, Muhammad Abid Javed, the initiative will be supported by the University of Punjab as well as the Punjab Vocational Training Council.

Just last week, the Pakistan Petroleum Information Servive (PPIS) announced that oil and gas production within the country has increased by four per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively over the past financial year, though declines have been seen in the exploration and production of liquefied petroleum gas.