PM launches Pakistan's first National Youth Employment Policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled Pakistan's first National Youth Employment Policy at a launch ceremony in Islamabad, Mettis Global reported, citing a press release. The framework aims to widen jobs and entrepreneurship for young people. Women are to hold 50% of the labour force quota, and 10% of the annual quota will go to startups, steering young people toward running their own ventures instead of conventional employment.

Sharif said 1,000 young men and women will travel to China for courses in IT and AI, chosen on merit with the government meeting all costs. He added that 700,000 laptops have already reached talented students, and 250,000 Chromebooks will go to high achievers this year.

Sharif also highlighted the Daanish Schools network, which offers Aitchison College-standard education to students who merit it across the country, and a new Daanish University in Islamabad where classes are expected to begin next year. The university will focus on technology, technical education and modern sciences, selecting students solely by merit regardless of family income. The prime minister also launched the National Power Sector Innovation Programme and the Skills Ambassador Programme at the event.