Islamabad (Web Desk): International Youth Day is being observed today (Monday) across the globe including Pakistan.
The theme of the day for this year is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development".
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have vowed to foster supportive environment for youth.
In their messages on International Youth Day, the president and the premier said that the youth of Pakistan are the most valuable asset as they are the dreamers and leaders of tomorrow.
President Zardari said it is government's duty to provide them with the opportunities and resources they need to fulfill their potential and build a prosperous and progressive Pakistan.
He said that the Prime Minister's Youth Programme stands as a testament to government's commitment to empowering youth.
"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.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that with over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan boasts a youthful demographic that is increasingly connected to the global digital landscape.
“By harnessing technology for education, entrepreneurship, and social activism, young people can become agents for positive change in their communities,” he added.
The premier said that the Youth Loan and Agricultural Scheme, which was introduced in 2013, is yielding significant results and approximately Rs186 billion have been distributed to over Rs280,000 young entrepreneurs.
The government aims to broaden the scope of this initiative, with plans to allocate an additional Rs100 billion during the current financial year, empowering around 300,000 young entrepreneurs across the country.