Pakistan’s Skills Flag Rises on World Stage at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Pakistan has made its historic debut at the WorldSkills Competition, with three young skilled professionals representing the country at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, marking a significant development for Pakistan’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition has brought together 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions across 64 skill events, making Shanghai a global gathering of young skills talent.
The opening ceremony was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and WorldSkills International President Francis Hourant, alongside ministers, international delegates and representatives of the global skills community. Premier Li officially opened the competition, while the WorldSkills president underscored the important role of skilled professionals in shaping the future.
Pakistan’s historic participation includes competitors in Electrical Installation, Cooking and Graphic Design Technology. The three representatives — Mudassir Hussain, Mohid Mehboob and Nabeed ul Arfeen Memon — emerged through Pakistan’s national skills competition system and are competing alongside young professionals from around the world.
A particularly significant moment for the Pakistani delegation came during the Parade of Nations, when the national flag entered the WorldSkills arena for the first time.
The appearance of the green and white flag among delegations from across the globe represented a milestone for Pakistan’s young skilled professionals and highlighted the country’s growing participation in an international platform focused on skills, excellence and innovation.
The Pakistani delegation is being led by Engr. Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, Chairman of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), who is attending the competition in Shanghai to support the Pakistani competitors and engage with the international skills community.
The delegation also includes Brig. Sajjid Khokhar, Chairperson of Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA); Ms. Amina Gillani and Mr. Ishaq from NAVTTC; and Mr. Hammad Hassan from TVET GIZ. Their participation reflects cooperation among Pakistan’s national and provincial skills institutions and international development partners.
Pakistan’s participation has been supported through Team Europe’s TVET Sector Support Programme, funded by the European Union and Germany, which has contributed to the country’s preparations for the international skills competition.
Beyond the prospect of medals, the participation provides Pakistani competitors with an opportunity to gain international exposure, experience advanced technologies and techniques, and benchmark their abilities against global standards.
For Pakistan’s TVET sector, the Shanghai competition also provides an opportunity to assess the country’s skills ecosystem against international practices and further promote a culture of technical excellence among young professionals.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is continuing until September 27, with competitors undertaking four days of intensive assessments across 64 skill competitions.
Pakistan’s first appearance at the WorldSkills Competition marks a new chapter in the country’s international skills engagement and provides greater visibility to the capabilities and aspirations of its young skilled workforce.
