Government Initiative.

• Author: Kazmi, S. Kamal Hayder

Byline: S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi

Prime minister has launched the first phase of the "Kamyab Jawan Programme" for youth of Pakistan to support them through technical and financial assistance. The Government of Pakistan believes that youth employment and economic empowerment are essential components of a strong foundation in any society. The prime minister while addressing the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad announced that Rs 100 billion have been allocated for youth loans under the programme. He said that out of the total amount, Rs 25 billion have been earmarked for women. Prime Minister proclaimed that loans worth up to Rs 100,000 will be interest-free, while the loans in two other categories will be concessionary loans. The premier added that 1.0 million young people will be facilitated under the programme.

"We have youth, they are our power but unluckily [we are lacking in] skills," he said, adding that Rs 10 billion will be used for teaching skills to 100,000 young people. Under the programme, the prime minister announced, 100 labs will be organized for distance learning. The programme will also arrange internships through which 25,000 young people will be connected with industries, he said. Talking about religious seminaries, Prime Minister Imran said that 500 labs will also be established in seminaries. "This is the first government which has taken [such] initiatives. We will consider seminary students as our own children and we will impart science education to them," he said, adding that the government of Pakistan has interacted with religious scholars for educational reforms.

"We will try to make our education systems uniform," he said after pointing out that three educational systems - English medium, Urdu medium and seminaries - are presently functioning in the country. He further said that 2,000 teachers will be sent abroad for international-level training. The prime minister also proclaimed that a national youth development foundation is being organized for youngsters in the country to interact and exchange knowledge and views. "The...