PM Shehbaz announces key initiatives on International Youth Day to empower youth

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering Pakistan’s youth, including the launch of the country’s first National Youth Employment Policy, at a special ceremony in Islamabad to mark International Youth Day.

The prime minister also presented awards to position holders from Daanish Schools during the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz highlighted measures taken to promote education and create opportunities for young people, recalling initiatives introduced during his tenure as chief minister of Punjab.

“Pakistan’s children are capable and intelligent,” he said, stressing that efforts must continue to ensure the country does not lag behind other nations in education and skills development.

The prime minister said Daanish Schools were established to provide quality education to children from underprivileged backgrounds who could not afford institutions catering primarily to affluent families.

“Why should a poor child remain deprived of education?” he asked, adding that the Daanish Schools programme had helped bring talented students from remote and disadvantaged areas into the mainstream education system.

He said the programme was being expanded to other provinces, while similar institutions were also being established in Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

PM Shehbaz said 1,000 agricultural graduates were sent to China last year for advanced education, while another 1,000 high-achieving students at the matriculation and intermediate levels would be sent to China this year.

He said the selection would be made purely on merit, with students receiving education and training in fields including information technology and artificial intelligence.

“Past mistakes can be rectified by providing funds for the development and prosperity of the youth,” the prime minister said.

He also announced that Pakistan’s largest Daanish University was being established in Islamabad, with classes expected to begin next year.

PM Shehbaz said 700,000 laptops had already been distributed among young people on merit, while another 250,000 Chromebooks would be provided to youth this year.

The prime minister said the government was working to create equal opportunities for children from underprivileged families and bring them on a par with those from affluent backgrounds.