Prime Minister Shehbaz notes that by leveraging technology for education, entrepreneurship, and social activism, young people can drive positive change in their communities
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of International Youth Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for youth and generating opportunities for their advancement. In his message, the Prime Minister underscored the global recognition of this day as an opportunity to acknowledge the significant role of the youth and emphasize their critical position in shaping the future.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted this year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” which reflects the transformative potential of digital technology in advancing sustainable development. He stated, “Young individuals nationwide are catalysts for transformation. This theme highlights the pivotal role of youth at the intersection of technology and opportunity, empowering them to turn their aspirations into tangible outcomes and build a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Pakistan’s youthful demographic, with over 60% of its population under the age of 30, is increasingly connected to the global digital landscape. The Prime Minister noted that by leveraging technology for education, entrepreneurship, and social activism, young people can drive positive change in their communities.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the government’s initiatives to support young entrepreneurs. “In 2013, we introduced the Youth Loan and Agricultural Scheme, which has had a significant impact. To date, we have disbursed approximately 186 billion rupees to over 280,000 young entrepreneurs, creating numerous job opportunities across the country.”
He outlined recent improvements to the Youth Business Loan Scheme, including the integration of Agricultural Loans and partnerships with Microfinance institutions to offer interest-free loans. Looking forward, the government plans to expand these efforts, with an additional 100 billion rupees allocated for the financial year 2024-25, aiming to support around 300,000 young entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the comprehensive approach of the Youth Programme, which includes skill development through the Skill Development Programme, advanced technology via the Youth Laptop Scheme, and financial assistance through Youth Loan Schemes. This multifaceted support aims to provide the youth with the resources necessary to succeed and thrive.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Sharif affirmed that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s future. “Empowering our youth through meaningful opportunities will foster individual growth and contribute to the broader social and economic development of our nation,” he asserted.
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