By: Waqar Naseem Wamiq
The 7th edition of the International Human Resource and Manpower Exhibition concluded successfully in Riyadh, marking a historic milestone for Pakistan’s participation. As the leader among other countries, Pakistan proudly set up the main Pavilion, showcasing its skilled manpower and recruitment services. For the first time in Riyadh’s recorded history of exhibitions, the Punjab and Balochistan Governments established their booths, reflecting the growing provincial engagement in international markets. Several Pakistani recruitment companies also presented their services, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence.
The Pakistan Pavilion was officially inaugurated by H.E. Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, together with Muhammad Aamir Jaan, Executive Director of NAVTIC. Distinguished dignitaries including DG TEVTA Aamer Aziz and Muhammad Saleem of SDED graced the occasion, adding weight to Pakistan’s representation.
The Pavilion was efficiently managed by the Community Welfare Section of the Pakistan Embassy, led by Community Welfare Attaché‑1 Sayed Aziz, CWA‑2 Jannat Hussain Nekokara, and CWA‑3 Najam Nawaz Saqib. This trio’s dedication ensured that Pakistan’s participation was handled with dignity and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on the international audience.
A high‑profile discussion forum was held at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Hall, attended by ambassadors and dignitaries from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and several other countries. The forum highlighted critical issues related to manpower and expatriate welfare, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches to meet global labor demands.
Pakistan’s historic and skilled presence was further highlighted by DG NAVTIC Muhammad Aamir Jaan, while Ambassador Ahmed Farooq reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to meeting the Kingdom’s market demands.
One of the most memorable personal moments right was the gift of a pen conferred upon me by Dr. Namath Ullah Bhuiyan, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh. His gesture was a recognition of my role as a writer and journalist, and it carried profound symbolic value acknowledging the power of the pen in shaping narratives and fostering understanding. Earlier, his speech delivered with his signature accent resonated deeply with the audience, adding to the forum’s intellectual richness.
For me personally, the gift of a pen symbolized the enduring importance of writers, journalists, and storytellers in bridging nations and communities. It reminded me that while manpower builds economies, words build understanding and respect.
A Meet & Greet event organized by the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SDED) Goverment of Punjab was held on the sidelines of the exhibition, at the prestigious Narcissus Hotel in Riyadh. This gathering provided a meaningful platform for Saudi companies and Pakistani manpower importers to engage directly. The event was graced with the presence of Chairperson CM PUNJAB task force on skills development, MPA Adnan Afzal Chatha, Ambassador Ahmed Farooq and the visiting Pakistani dignitaries, highly attended by business leaders from both sides, opening new avenues for collaboration.
This exhibition was not merely a display of manpower services, it was a testament to Pakistan’s evolving role in the global labor market. The leadership shown by Pakistan, the historic participation of Punjab and Balochistan all reflect a new chapter of confidence and capability.
The Riyadh exhibition has proven to be a gateway of opportunities not only for Pakistan’s skilled workforce but also for strengthening diplomatic, cultural and professional ties. It underscored the importance of unity, representation, and dignity in international forums, and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s contribution to the Kingdom’s labor market is both historic and forward-looking.