Saudi pact powers PM's youth vision

Shehbaz unveils laptop scheme phase-IV

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, reaffirming his government's unwavering commitment to investing in education, technology, and skills for the country's youth.

In his address, the prime minister declared that "today marks a historic day in Pakistan's journey of youth empowerment."

Sharif revealed that his government is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to provide advanced training in Artificial Intelligence, IT, and modern trades.

"Saudi Arabia is building its future and hosting the 2030 International Exhibition and the FIFA World Cup 2034. They need millions of skilled workers, and Pakistan's youth will be their partners in progress," he said.

He expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for extending an economic package and offering training opportunities for Pakistani youth.

He emphasized that the scheme is a continuation of his vision launched in 2010 as Chief Minister Punjab to promote education, fine arts, culture, sports, and information technology. Despite natural calamities like floods, he recalled, "not a single penny was cut from the youth's development funds because education and empowerment are our top priorities."

Sharif proudly stated that Pakistan is among the few countries formulating policies for Artificial Intelligence and even stepping into semiconductor manufacturing, adding that the country has a bright technological future.

"The Almighty blessed me with the honour to serve the youth," he said. "This programme is not for personal glory, but for our young citizens who are the future architects of Pakistan. The new logo, Youth of Pakistan: Making Pakistan Great, reflects that spirit of national pride and merit."

The prime minister highlighted that over 100,000 laptops have been distributed purely on merit since 2011, with an investment of Rs 40-50 billion.

He added that Rs 500 billion is being allocated for youth education, skills, and empowerment, calling it "an investment in the nation's destiny."

He reaffirmed his lifelong resolve: "Every resource I have will be spent on the betterment of our young generation. They must reach for the galaxies and build the Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal."

PRAL

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered a forensic audit of the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) system through an international consultancy firm after being briefed on a past sales tax fraud incident that occurred due to outdated digital infrastructure and lack of monitoring.

Chairing a review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms, the Prime Minister expressed strong displeasure over the revelation of the sales tax fraud that began in 2018-19, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

He directed that the companies, institutions, and individuals involved be identified and that a comprehensive investigation report be submitted within three weeks. The prime minister also instructed strict legal action against those found guilty in the upcoming inquiry report.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on ongoing reform initiatives at FBR and particularly within PRAL. They informed him that the modernized digital systems now include robust features such as an Audit Vault, Database Protection Wall, Security Operations Centre, and continuous database monitoring mechanisms designed to ensure data integrity and security.