PM Shehbaz Sharif announces Rs100b boost for 300,000 young entrepreneurs

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for Pakistan's youth.

Both leaders delivered this message on International Youth Day, recognising the country's young population as its most valuable asset.

President Zardari emphasised the government's responsibility to provide the necessary opportunities and resources for the youth to realise their potential.

He highlighted the Prime Minister's Youth Programme as a key initiative demonstrating the government's dedication to empowering the younger generation.

"As President, I am proud of the accomplishments of our young people," Zardari said. He urged the youth to seize available opportunities, dream big, and work tirelessly for the nation's progress.

PM Shehbaz noted that over 60 percent of Pakistan's population is under the age of thirty. He highlighted the potential of young people to become agents of positive change through education, entrepreneurship, and social activism.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the Youth Loan and Agricultural Scheme, introduced in 2013, which has distributed approximately Rs186 billion to over 280,000 young entrepreneurs.

The premier announced plans to expand the initiative, with an additional Rs100 billion set to be allocated this financial year, empowering around 300,000 more young entrepreneurs.

This year’s theme for International Youth Day is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development."