The Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute (PCTVI) in Gwadar has reached a milestone with 93 students enrolled across 10 specialized diploma programs.  Designed to meet the needs of the region's rapidly growing high-tech industries, the institute offers a diverse range of skill-based training courses, including Maritime & Port Management, Software Technology, Tourism Management, E-Commerce, Mechatronics, Chinese and English Language, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Construction Engineering, and Overhead Crane Operation. Of the current enrollees, 34 students are pursuing the Advanced Diploma in English Language, 14 are studying Chinese Language & Culture, 13 are enrolled in Port Management, 3 in Mechatronics, 7 in E-Commerce, 14 in Tourism Management, and 18 in Software Technology.

With the demand for vocational education growing, PCTVI has seen an impressive number of applications for 2025, with around 560 students already having applied for various programs. According to PCTVI Executive Director Prof. Dr. Manzoor Syed, the institute aims to equip the local population with the skills necessary to support Gwadar’s economic growth, particularly as the city continues to develop through major industrial projects such as the Gwadar Port Free Zone and Export Processing Zone. 

"The institute plays a crucial role in meeting the maritime skilled manpower requirements for the port and surrounding industries," he explained.  All vocational programs are developed in collaboration with the Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technology (SICT), China, as well as other accredited institutions, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday. For many students at PCTVI, the opportunity to pursue technical education has been life-changing. Noor Baloch, a female student at the institute, shared her story: “I am the daughter of a fisherman. 

Growing up in poverty, I never dreamed of pursuing technical education. Before, such opportunities were out of reach due to high fees, but PCTVI now offers free, skill-based training, making education accessible to youth like me.” Noor emphasized how the institute has empowered her to acquire marketable skills: “PCTVI is a game-changer.  It has given us the tools to succeed and contribute not just to Pakistan's economy but also to the global development landscape. I am determined to fulfill my father’s dream of changing our family’s fate.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China