Zafar Ali: A Self-Made Success in Local Entrepreneurship
Fakhar-e- Alam
Peshawar: While ‘chappli’ kababs and ‘qehwa’ sit cooling on the side table of his workshop, Zafar Ali, an electrician from Pabbi town in Nowshera district, remains focused on his task—repairing geysers, gas heaters, and electric rods to meet the deadlines for his customers.
Despite the challenges of cold winters or the scorching heat of summer, Zafar starts his day early, rushing to his workshop on his motorbike, armed with a tester and pliers, ready to diagnose faults with the help of his two assistants.
Known as “Ustad” by those around him, Zafar’s expertise in repairing home appliances has made him a respected figure in the community. Over the years, he has expanded his business, which started in a small room of his house, to a modern workshop in Pabbi, where he now employs five others.
“After completing my DAE in electronics from the Government Technical Institute Peshawar, I opened a small workshop for repairing appliances,” Zafar shared. “Now, I also offer house electrification services, which bring in more profit, with charges varying from Rs 50,000 for a 10-marla house depending on location.”
Zafar’s story reflects a path of perseverance and success through vocational education. His refusal of foreign visas offered by construction companies highlights his commitment to staying in Pakistan and building a respectable livelihood locally.
He advocates for promoting vocational education among the youth, encouraging them to start their own businesses rather than seeking work abroad under difficult conditions.
Zafar’s success serves as a model for many, especially those considering illegal migration or seeking opportunities abroad. His work underscores the importance of vocational training as a solution to local unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy.
However, despite recent improvements in vocational education by the federal government, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face challenges, including poor investment, outdated curricula, and insufficient faculty to meet the demands of the modern labor market.
Professor Dr. Naeem ur Rehman, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, pointed out the long-term consequences of inadequate investment in vocational education.
He argued that rising unemployment and illiteracy contribute to an increasing number of youth seeking employment abroad, particularly in the Gulf. “Many of these migrants spend years obtaining work permits and technical skills, which creates a shortage of trained professionals within the country,” he noted.
Dr Rehman emphasized the need to focus on vocational education and job creation within Pakistan to prevent brain drain and make full use of opportunities such as those presented by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which could generate over 1.2 million direct jobs for youth. He called for greater financial resources to strengthen technical educational institutes, allowing the country to capitalize on these opportunities.
On the policy side, PML-N MPA Sobia Shahid highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote vocational and technical education, including programs like 2,000 internships for young engineers, youth transformation projects for underdeveloped districts, and Top Talent Scholarships for students.
However, she criticized the PTI government’s inadequate investment in this sector, noting the failure to implement a uniform education system and meet the financial needs of technical institutes.
Engr. Sajjad Khan, Managing Director of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, echoed these concerns, calling for substantial financial investment to improve infrastructure, equip technical institutions, and ensure solar power for schools in remote districts.
He also highlighted agreements with private organizations to promote self-employment through technical training.
Abdul Karim Khan, Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister for Industries, Commerce, Vocational, and Technical Education, mentioned the government’s education emergency program worth Rs 3.1 billion to tackle unemployment.
Under this program, children would receive a monthly stipend, free textbooks, and the opportunity to enroll in private schools at government expense.
Zafar Ali’s story exemplifies how vocational training and local entrepreneurship can create sustainable livelihoods and inspire others to make meaningful contributions to the country. His journey underscores the potential of technical education to combat unemployment and poverty, ensuring a brighter future for Pakistan’s youth.
The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.
