Turkish agency sets up vocational center in Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Turkey's state-run aid agency on Monday opened a vocational training center for underprivileged youths in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.

The center was established by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in collaboration with local Karigar Training Institute.

TIKA has set up a fully equipped computer lab and refurbished classrooms.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Consul General Tolga Ucak said establishment of the state-of-the-art center was an effort to provide skilled manpower to the industry.

“Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city, and the industrial and the commercial capital. It requires a large skilled manpower to run the industry sector,” Ucak noted.

He said Turkey will continue to support Pakistan to overcome unemployment which is the "biggest hurdle in the way of development".

TIKA's Karachi coordinator Ibrahim Katirci said following the establishment of the center, youngsters from lower and middle income brackets will be able to gain skills, which would subsequently help them in obtaining employment.

Rashindullah Sheikh, head of Karigar Institute, thanked Turkey and TIKA for establishing the center.

Established in 1992, Turkey’s government-run aid agency is responsible for implementing the country’s development cooperation policies overseas.

TIKA has been running several welfare projects across Pakistan.