Ways to Benefit from the PM Youth Program: Insights from the Focal Person

Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, the focal person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, has said that 70% of Pakistan’s population is youth, which is why Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is directly monitoring development projects for them.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Pakistani-American group “Stand with Pakistan” in Dallas, Naqvi explained that interest-free loans of Rs 300,000 to Rs 600,000 are being given to young people to start businesses. For those planning to work abroad, loans of up to Rs 1 million are available to cover visa and travel expenses. A total of Rs 75 billion has been set aside for this year, while more than Rs 186 billion has already been distributed.

He said that thousands of youths have found jobs overseas, while the Digital Youth Hub is connecting young Pakistanis with training and employment opportunities within the country.

Naqvi also announced that the laptop scheme has been restarted, and one lakh laptops will be distributed by October. Grants and scholarships for universities have been restored, and more funds for education are expected in the next budget.

Sports are also part of the program. National athletes like javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem are being supported, while traditional games such as tent pegging are being promoted with events in Islamabad attended by foreign diplomats.

He further shared that Pakistan has, for the first time, won the chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Alliance Secretariat and the Youth Ministers Task Force, which will strengthen ties with 56 countries.

Naqvi revealed that a youth festival will be held soon, offering training, jobs, and master classes to build world-class skills.

During a Q&A session, he was asked about loan transparency, jobs abroad, and education funding. He replied that the government is committed to providing skills, capital, and opportunities to the youth, but their success will depend on how they use these resources.

He also urged the Pakistani diaspora to support cultural and sports initiatives that can create exchange opportunities between youth in Pakistan and the US.

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