Islamabad, At the launch of the “State of Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Pakistan” report, Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme highlighted the government’s substantial investment in fostering youth entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including the disbursement of Rs 83.6 billion in business loans to young entrepreneurs across Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, the event was a collaborative effort involving the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP Pakistan, and the Islamic Development Bank. Chairman Khan outlined the success of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan Scheme, which has supported 140,000 young entrepreneurs, including 16,000 women, since its relaunch in January 2023.

These initiatives have enabled young Pakistanis to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, with particular emphasis on agriculture, microfinance, and interest-free ventures. The launch also celebrated the impact of the National Innovation Award, which aids young entrepreneurs with financial support, mentorship, and incubation.

Chairman Khan called for continued support from development partners and the private sector to implement the strategic recommendations of the report aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Pakistan. The event drew together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss future strategies for sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship.