ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday formally launched Pakistan’s first-ever National Youth Employment Policy, aimed at creating more employment, entrepreneurship and skills-development opportunities for the country’s young population.
The policy was unveiled during a ceremony in Islamabad marking International Youth Day, where the prime minister highlighted the growing importance of technology, artificial intelligence and modern skills in preparing young Pakistanis for the changing global job market.
35% quota for women, 10% for young startups
Under the new policy, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a 35% quota for women in the labour force, alongside a 10% annual quota for young startups.
The measures are intended to promote greater inclusion in employment while also encouraging young entrepreneurs to establish and expand businesses.
The prime minister stressed that Pakistan’s youth must be equipped with skills that match the requirements of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
He said the current era was being shaped by AI, information technology and advanced technologies, making it essential for young people to acquire up-to-date knowledge and incorporate modern skills into their professional lives.
Focus on modern education and skills
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing young people with access to modern, technology-focused and skill-based education.
He said the government would use available resources to create opportunities for talented young people to study at leading institutions and develop expertise in fields that can help them compete internationally.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of providing equal educational opportunities, particularly for talented and deserving students who may otherwise lack access to quality institutions.
According to him, Pakistan’s development depends on ensuring that young people from different social and economic backgrounds have opportunities to progress on the basis of merit and hard work.
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Danish schools network to expand
During his address, the prime minister also spoke about the Danish schools initiative, recalling that the programme was launched during his tenure as chief minister of Punjab.
He said the network was now being expanded across the country to provide quality education to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
PM Shehbaz stressed that there should be no major disparity between the educational opportunities available to children from wealthy families and those from poorer households.
He linked equal access to education with the broader vision of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, under which citizens would have opportunities to progress through merit and hard work.
Danish University to be established in Islamabad
The prime minister also announced the establishment of a Danish University in Islamabad, saying its academic session would begin next year.
According to PM Shehbaz, the proposed university will have a strong focus on technology and will provide opportunities to talented and deserving students.
He said the institution would form part of the government’s broader effort to prepare young Pakistanis for emerging fields and the demands of the modern economy.
Addressing the country’s youth, the prime minister concluded with an encouraging message: “The future is not something you wait for, the future is something you build, now go and build it.”
