Islamabad: On International Youth Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the pivotal role of young Pakistanis in the nation’s future, particularly through their engagement with digital technologies. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the transformative power of youth in leveraging technology for sustainable and equitable growth.
According to Press Information Department, the Prime Minister pointed out that with over 60% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country’s young demographic is poised to make significant impacts on both local and global scales. Utilizing technology in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, and social activism, Pakistani youth are becoming key agents of change within their communities.
The government’s commitment to youth empowerment has been showcased through various initiatives like the Youth Loan and Agricultural Scheme, which, since its inception in 2013, has disbursed approximately 186 billion rupees to over 280,000 young entrepreneurs. This has led to the creation of numerous job opportunities across the country. The administration has also revamped the Youth Business Loan Scheme to include Agricultural Loans and facilitated interest-free loans via Microfinance institutions.
Looking forward, the government plans to allocate an additional 100 billion rupees for the financial year 2024-25 to support roughly 300,000 young entrepreneurs. Furthermore, comprehensive programs are in place to equip youth with essential skills, provide advanced technology through schemes like the Youth Laptop Scheme, and offer financial backing through various loan programs.
Prime Minister Sharif’s message underscores the importance of integrating Pakistan’s youth into the broader narrative of national development, recognizing them as tomorrow’s leaders who will shape the country’s destiny.