Tech-skilled youth can transform Pakistan, says Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that technology-empowered youth can play a vital role in Pakistan’s progress, stressing that skilled young people are the country’s greatest asset.
In a special message on World Youth Skills Day, the chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to equipping young people with modern technology and professional skills. She encouraged them to pursue careers in freelancing, information technology and technical trades.
Maryam Nawaz said that youth equipped with technology and vocational skills are essential to Pakistan’s development and prosperity. She described young people as the nation’s most valuable asset and the architects of its future.
She said the Punjab government has allocated significant funds to promote skills development across the province. Under the Asaan Karobar and Asaan Finance schemes, more than 108,000 people have received financial assistance.
The chief minister said the Asaan Karobar Scheme provides interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs30 million to help young entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses.
She added that, under the Agriculture Internship Programme, 2,000 young people are receiving a monthly stipend of Rs60,000 to gain practical experience in the agriculture sector.
Maryam Nawaz said vocational training institutes are offering internationally aligned courses in information technology, construction, masonry, welding, tile fixing and heavy vehicle maintenance to prepare young people for local and international job markets.
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She also said that 10,000 young people from across Punjab have secured jobs in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries after receiving training that meets international market requirements.
The chief minister said that, for the first time in Punjab, e-commerce, digital marketing and modern information technology courses have been introduced into the curriculum to equip students with future-ready skills.
She added that, under the SEHR Programme, 5,365 women across Punjab are receiving training in modern beautification, hospitality and airline management. Participants are also being provided with free laptops and a monthly stipend of Rs7,500.
Maryam Nawaz said investing in youth skills, technology and entrepreneurship will create more employment opportunities and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
