ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is planning to train and deploy around 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia, a report cited by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said recently.
Citing official documents with a financial news platform named “Wealth Pakistan,” the APP said in a news report published on June 21 that Pakistan is aligning its workforce planning with anticipated demand arising from the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Saudi Arabia is set to become the second nation from the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup tournament in 2034, 12 years after Qatar staged the 2022 edition.
“Pakistan is targeting the training and deployment of 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034,” APP reported on Sunday.
It said the move was part of a “broader strategy” by Pakistan to expand overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s position in international labor markets.
APP reported that trained Pakistani workers were expected to support infrastructure development, aviation, tourism and related service sectors in the Kingdom between 2026 and 2034.
Pakistan has attempted in recent years to boost its manpower exports and enhance the skills of Pakistani workers for overseas employment.
Thousands of Pakistani expatriates live and work in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. These citizens repatriate billions of dollars every year, serving as a valuable source of foreign exchange for the cash-strapped country.
During July 2025 to March 26, 215,719 Pakistani workers received soft-skills training aimed at improving adaptability, productivity and global employability, APP reported.
During 2025, Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) registered 762,499 workers for overseas employment. APP said more than 15 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for employment in over 50 countries through official channels since 1972.
Citing documents from Wealth Pakistan, APP said Islamabad is simultaneously modernizing the emigration process via digital initiatives.
It said a “Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework” is being developed to connect 14 relevant stakeholders and streamline overseas employment procedures through online verification systems.
