Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated the government’s pledge to enhance opportunities for youth in education, skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship. The declaration came during a meeting in Islamabad, where Sharif reviewed the progress of ongoing initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and discussed potential projects for the coming year.
According to Radio Pakistan, Sharif emphasized the need for intensified efforts to provide young people with education and training in information technology and other modern sectors. He instructed the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to develop a comprehensive plan to align IT education in universities with international standards and global market demands.
Sharif highlighted the importance of focusing on technical and vocational training to ensure employment opportunities for the youth domestically and internationally. Additionally, he proposed consolidating various loan schemes for young entrepreneurs to facilitate business startups.
The Prime Minister also called for collaboration between the Youth Program and the Ministry of Industries and Production to provide electric bikes to youth from low- and middle-income families. He commended Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, and his team for their effective implementation of various initiatives.
During the meeting, it was reported that over 800,000 youth and 2,000 institutions have registered under the Digital Youth Hub, with daily applications exceeding 4,800. The Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agri Loans Scheme has distributed 122.5 billion rupees to more than 287,000 young people, creating over 900,000 jobs.
The meeting also noted the launch of the country’s first Youth and Adolescent Policy and Youth Employment Policy, with 400,000 youth participating in the Sports and Talent Hunt Program this year. Briefings were provided on proposed projects, including Mixed Martial Arts, FIFA Arena, and E-Sports.