Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at empowering Pakistan’s youth and transforming the nation into a thriving, developed country.
Speaking at an event organized by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to mark the International Day of Youth, the premier pledged to allocate substantial resources to support the nation’s young people.
One of the key announcements was the distribution of one million smartphones to high-achieving students within the current year.
The smartphones, described as a gift from the federal government, are intended to provide students with access to modern education and resources. “The country’s youth have the potential to elevate the nation to new heights if given access to modern education and resources,” Sharif stated.
The prime minister emphasized his vision of equipping talented youth with education in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, drawing parallels to the rapid progress seen in China. He expressed his belief that such advancements could spark a similar revolution in Pakistan.
Sharif also addressed the country’s economic challenges, lamenting that despite 77 years of independence and abundant resources, Pakistan remains heavily burdened by debt. He highlighted the stark contrast between the extreme poverty faced by many citizens and the significant privileges enjoyed by the elite class. “Extreme poverty prevents many from affording basic needs, such as arranging marriages for their daughters,” he noted.
In a significant move to boost agricultural production, the prime minister announced that he will personally fund the education of 1,000 agricultural graduates in China. This initiative aims to equip them with modern technology and techniques. Additionally, Huawei has committed to sending 200,000 youth for IT training and advanced education.
Sharif also revealed plans to unveil a comprehensive development plan for the country on August 14. At the event’s outset, he officially launched several key initiatives, including the Commonwealth Youth Alliance Secretariat in Islamabad, the Digital Learning Portal, the PM Green Youth Movement, and the AI for Youth Programme, which offers Intel-certified skills to young people.
These initiatives reflect the prime minister’s commitment to harnessing the potential of Pakistan’s youth to drive national development and economic growth.
