Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the critical role of youth in shaping the future of nations during his address at the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance Summit in Islamabad.
He stated that 60% of the population in Commonwealth countries consists of youth, urging stakeholders to view this demographic as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
"The future of our nations is in the hands of our youth," the PM declared, adding, "This is a challenge that can be easily converted into an opportunity." He highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives to empower youth, including the expansion of Daanish Schools and the distribution of laptops to high-performing students.
Prime Minister Sharif recalled his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab when he launched the Daanish School and laptop schemes. These initiatives were now being expanded nationwide, particularly in the remote areas of Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Balochistan.
"We have distributed 600,000 laptops to high-performing students, and a new program to distribute laptops has been launched across Pakistan," he announced.
During the event, the PM also administered the oath to members of the National Youth Council and distributed awards to outstanding youth. He expressed his pleasure at hosting the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance Summit, welcoming participants on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding association with the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Sharif noted, "Pakistan is a founding member of the Commonwealth, which serves as a platform for excellent partnership among member countries in addressing challenges."
He pointed out that 60% of the Commonwealth’s population is under the age of 30, underscoring the importance of equipping youth with modern technology and technical education.
"Youth are the guarantee of a peaceful and prosperous future," he said, adding that 70% of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 30. "We understand the capabilities of the youth. They are the promise of change, and their role in national development and policy-making must be enhanced."
The PM outlined his government’s efforts to empower youth, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, which he described as a flagship initiative for youth development and well-being. He also mentioned the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to talented students from financially weak backgrounds.
Reflecting on the impact of the laptop scheme, Shehbaz noted, "These laptops have become a source of education during the COVID-19 pandemic." He expressed optimism about the success of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance Summit, stating, "Youth can be empowered by promoting education."
