Punjab govt launches ‘Parwaz Card’ to support youth with interest-free funding

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched the province’s first-ever ‘Parwaz Card’ programme aimed at providing up to Rs300 interest-free loan to skilled youth.

The launch coincided with the rollout of related initiatives, including the “Creative Hand, Career Path” and the “Skill Development Portal,” which are designed to support vocational training and employment opportunities for young Pakistanis.

Speaking at the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s achievements in technical training, noting that 250,000 youth had completed courses and over 114,000 had secured jobs in Pakistan, while 33,000 found employment abroad.

 She met with 90 students who had completed vocational training in various trades, including electricians and imams, and praised their skills and dedication.

The chief minister also met transgender students, who thanked her for creating opportunities and recognition for marginalized communities.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised that the government seeks to invest in youth as a national priority.

“The state is like a mother. Every obstacle in the way of our children should be removed. Every penny from Punjab’s treasury should be invested in youth,” she said.

The programme aims to link graduates with employment opportunities locally and internationally, including e-commerce, IT, construction, and technical trades such as welding, wiring, and tile fixing.

She said that Parwaz Card recipients would be supported directly, freeing skilled youth from reliance on agents and middlemen.

“Pakistan’s workforce is highly skilled. Our goal is to ensure youth earn respectable incomes locally and abroad. Through the Parwaz Card, every skilled youth going overseas will receive up to 300,000 rupees in support,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, announcing mandatory AI education in schools and initiatives to provide scholarships, laptops, and Chromebooks to students.

She stressed that youth will be fully monitored and supported by the government to ensure training translates into employment opportunities.

The chief minister concluded by urging young Pakistanis to avoid anti-state activities and focus on contributing positively to the country’s development.