Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated the government’s resolve to equip Pakistan’s young population with quality, modern education and skills that correspond with the changing needs of the present era.
In their separate messages issued on the occasion of International Youth Day, observed on Wednesday, both leaders emphasized that Pakistan’s long-term development and a prosperous future are closely tied to the advancement of its youth.
President Asif Ali Zardari described the energy, determination, creativity and resilience of Pakistan’s young people as some of the country’s most valuable strengths. He pointed out that around 67 percent of the population is below the age of 30, making young people a vital national resource.
The president stressed that the meaningful involvement of youth in education, employment, entrepreneurship, volunteer activities, civic affairs and decision-making processes was essential for the country’s progress.
He also highlighted the need to create greater opportunities for young women and girls, particularly in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, science, technology and leadership. According to him, their active participation is indispensable to Pakistan’s socio-economic advancement.
Zardari warned that issues such as inadequate access to education, unemployment among young people and deficiencies in digital literacy must be tackled without delay. He cautioned that ignoring these challenges could produce serious social and economic repercussions in the years ahead.
He said the government was continuing its efforts to empower young people through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which offers avenues for education, skills training, employment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sports and civic participation.
The president encouraged Pakistan’s youth to strive for excellence, welcome innovation and demonstrate integrity, compassion and tolerance while playing an active role in national development.
“Let us transform our common aspirations into shared achievements and build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government’s priorities included ensuring the fullest possible intellectual, physical, mental and academic development of young people by making effective use of the country’s available resources.
“The Government of Pakistan is committed to empowering our youth through modern and quality education aligned with the demands of the day, through dedicated efforts to promote technical and vocational skills, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, industrial development, digital innovation, and social inclusion,” the prime minister said in his message marking International Youth Day on August 12.
He said Pakistan was joining the global community in marking the day while recognizing the immense potential, energy and positive aspirations of its talented young population.
According to the prime minister, this year’s International Youth Day was being observed under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” He said the theme reflected the reality that young people around the world live in different social and economic circumstances, yet their hopes, dreams and ambitions for a better future remain largely alike.
Shehbaz urged the country’s young people to pursue their goals through continued hard work, honesty, a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to serving the nation.
“The sustainable development and bright future of our country are intrinsically linked to the progress of our youth. Let us renew our resolve to work together with full commitment and play a constructive and active role in the development and prosperity of our country, so that our homeland becomes a guarantee of a bright future for all segments of society especially our youth,” he emphasised.
The prime minister observed that Pakistan’s young population had earned recognition for the country at national and international levels through accomplishments in numerous fields.
He added that at the grassroots level, young people were also making valuable contributions as responsible and active members of society.
“Our youth are an invaluable National asset and are the promising driving force for our bright future.
The creativity and determined efforts of our young people are undoubtedly contributing to encouraging progress across every sector of society. Harnessing the potential and capabilities of our youth is essential for building a prosperous, peaceful, and strong Pakistan.”
Shehbaz Sharif said that in addition to a range of policy measures, the government was implementing practical initiatives aimed at helping young Pakistanis bring their abilities, technical expertise and professional skills in line with international benchmarks, enabling them to represent the country effectively on the world stage.
“To provide talented students with opportunities to advance in education, information technology, technical fields, and artificial intelligence, the Government has taken several important initiatives, including scholarship programmes, laptop distribution, and paid internships for students,” he added.
He further said the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme (PMYSDP) was working to develop a capable and professionally trained workforce in the country.
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), he said, had been given greater priority and strengthened further to deliver internationally accredited certifications and high-quality training in technical and professional disciplines.
The commission was also undertaking focused efforts to provide workers with internationally recognized qualifications and industry-relevant skills, he added.