LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif marked International Youth Day by emphasizing her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young people and equipping them with necessary education and skills. She highlighted the importance of staying away from divisive politics and urged the youth to avoid drug use for their physical and mental well-being.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the chief minister acknowledged that 65 percent of Pakistan’s population is composed of young people, who are considered a crucial asset for the country’s future. She noted that the Punjab government has introduced several initiatives to support the youth, including agricultural internships, provision of laptops, and schemes like e-Tax, Asaan Finance, and Asaan Karobar.

Maryam Nawaz detailed the Parwaaz Card initiative, which offers interest-free loans for skilled and unskilled youth aiming to work abroad. The card has facilitated employment for 10,000 skilled individuals in Gulf countries. She emphasized the importance of mentoring the youth to ensure a prosperous future for the nation.

The chief minister encouraged young people to become job creators and embrace innovation, mentioning the Honhaar Scholarship program and the integration of IT, e-Rozgaar, and freelancing into educational curricula. Interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million are available for self-employment, and incubation centers are being established to support startup ventures. Training programs on modern technology, artificial intelligence, and digital skills are also being implemented.

Maryam Nawaz concluded by stating that technical and vocational training institutions across Punjab have been upgraded to align with market demands, ensuring the development of a skilled workforce.