75 individuals given Development Leadership Awards

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives acknowledged the unheralded champions of Pakistan’s progress by bestowing Development Leadership Awards upon 75 individuals.

These awards were conferred during a ceremony held on Tuesday, along with the presentation of 60,000 internships as part of the Prime Minister’s Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Programm (BNIP), designed to provide young graduates with on-the-job training and valuable work experience.

The event was attended by Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Secretary of the Planning Ministry, awardees, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The chief guest at the ceremony was Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.

The honorees were categorised as high achievers (above 40 years old) who have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s socio-economic growth, emerging young leaders (below 40 years old) poised to lead the nation towards prosperity, and overseas Pakistanis who have dedicated resources to the country’s advancement.

The BNIP, initiated by the planning ministry, focuses on empowering the youth by offering 60,000 paid internships to recent graduates.

Each internship spans 6 to 12 months, providing candidates with both off-job and on-job training, essential for acquiring marketable skills and practical exposure.

A monthly stipend ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs40,000 is also provided, giving young graduates a valuable opportunity to enhance their employability.

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The awardees’ dedication underscores the significant impact individuals and organizations can have on economic development, social prosperity, and overall societal well-being, as observed by Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

The recognition serves as an inspiration for the younger generation, fostering hope and optimism, while also acknowledging their contributions towards the nation’s growth.

Minister Iqbal highlighted several initiatives introduced by the government since taking office in April 2022.

These include the Rs10 billion skill development programme that partners with skill training providers to address the skills gap and promote modern, ICT-based skills essential for meeting national and international demands.

Additionally, an allocation of Rs75 billion for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) aims to enhance access and quality in higher education.

The establishment of the National Fund “Uut of School Children” worth Rs25 billion is targeted at addressing the issue of out-of-school children.

Minister Iqbal emphasized the swift implementation of key initiatives in a short span of time.

Secretary Planning Ministry, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, while reflecting on Pakistan’s 75th anniversary, commended the event as a symbol of celebrating past achievements and envisioning an even brighter future.

He praised the diverse background of the awardees, ranging from Emerging Young Leaders and High Achievers to Institutions, acknowledging their unique contributions to Pakistan’s progress.

Shah highlighted that the awardees embodied values of dedication, innovation, and resilience, serving as beacons of inspiration for young minds.

Among the distinguished recipients of the Development Leadership Awards were prominent entities including the National Database & Registration Authority, Punjab Masstransit Authority, China Pakistan Economic Corridor Secretariat, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (in a Joint Venture); Balochistan Residential College Loralai (BRC Loralai), Balochistan Institute of Information Technology, Engineering, & Management Sciences, Oxford Pakistan Programme, Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab, Public Private Partnership Authority, National Highway Authority, Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Eminent organizations such as the Agha Khan Foundation, Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rashid Memorial Welfare Organization, and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industries were also among the recipients of the award.