Reaffirming his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for prioritizing education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships to equip young people for the future.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) summit, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of placing youth at the center of governance and decision-making processes. He stated, “By prioritizing education, skills training, and entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships, we can empower the younger generation to lead a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous future.”
Welcoming delegates from 12 countries, PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s strong ties with the Commonwealth, noting its importance as a platform for consensus-building and collaboration. The summit was attended by federal ministers, diplomats, students, academicians, and 113 new members of the National Youth Council.
He pointed out that with over 60% of the Commonwealth population under the age of 30, it is essential to empower the youth through modern education and technology. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s youth bulge, with 70% of its population under 30, as both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity.
PM Shehbaz emphasized the government’s dedication to youth development through initiatives like the Youth Program, which has supported millions across the country. Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab chief minister, he mentioned achievements such as the Punjab Education Endowment Fund for scholarships, the establishment of Daanish Schools in underprivileged areas, and the distribution of 600,000 laptops to high-achieving students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, these laptops proved instrumental in facilitating distance learning and earning opportunities. A new laptop distribution initiative has also been launched, focusing on high achievers from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
