WITH 64% of its population under 30, Pakistan faces significant challenges, including economic instability, unemployment, environmental crises, and a widening skills gap. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), led by Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan. The PMYP is designed to empower the country’s youth by focusing on four key areas: Education, Engagement, Employment, and Environment. This initiative seeks to tap into the potential of young Pakistanis, offering them opportunities to shape the nation’s future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif allocated Rs. 150 billion to youth programs, emphasizing the importance of education as a foundation for progress. A key part of the PMYP is the Youth Laptop Scheme, which has distributed over 600,000 laptops to bridge the digital divide and promote innovation. Additionally, the program provides 216,151 skill scholarships, 1,000 PhD scholarships in the U.S., and 5,000 scholarships for underserved regions like Balochistan and former FATA. These initiatives aim to address educational disparities and equip young Pakistanis with the tools they need for success.
Addressing unemployment is another critical aspect of the PMYP. The Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Program offers 60,000 paid internships to provide young graduates with essential work experience. The Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme supports young entrepreneurs and agriculturalists by providing financial backing. However, for these programs to fully succeed, they must reach beyond urban centers, addressing economic disparities in rural areas and fostering more inclusive growth.
The PMYP also addresses environmental challenges. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the Green Youth Movement promotes sustainable practices such as renewable energy and waste management. By engaging young people in environmental stewardship, the program aims to foster a generation of eco-conscious leaders who can help the country mitigate climate impacts while promoting sustainability.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has played a vital role in driving the PMYP’s success, facilitating collaboration among the private sector, educational institutions, and government bodies. His leadership has been key to ensuring that the program’s vision is translated into concrete action, benefiting young people from all walks of life. What sets the PMYP apart is its holistic approach, integrating education, employment, and environmental sustainability. The program also encourages youth participation in governance through platforms like the National Youth Council, ensuring young voices are heard in shaping Pakistan’s future. The success of the PMYP hinges on reaching marginalized communities, especially in rural and conflict-affected regions. If implemented inclusively, the program could transform Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape, with youth leading the way. As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said, “The future of Pakistan lies in the hands of its youth.”
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the responsibility young Pakistanis have to uplift their communities. The PMYP offers a historic opportunity for youth to innovate and drive the nation toward a more inclusive, prosperous future.
—The writer occasionally contributes to the national press, based in Islamabad.
