Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to empowering youth.
They said our youth are an invaluable National asset and are the promising driving force for our bright future. This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on International Youth Day.
President Zardari said 'I extend my warm greetings to the youth of Pakistan and join the international community in celebrating their energy, resilience, creativity and commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future. This year's theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations, " reminds us that though young people come from diverse backgrounds yet they share common aspirations for quality education, decent employment, innovation, equality and meaningful participation in society. It is not only the duty of the state but our collective responsibility to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential'.
President Zardari said 'The exuberance, creativity and resilience of our youth are among Pakistan's greatest strengths and their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas have the power to transform communities and society at large. By ensuring their meaningful engagement in education, employment, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, civic participation and decision-making, we can and we must harness this immense potential for the greater good of society. Empowering youth to actively contribute to national development is more than an investment in their future but actually it is an investment in Pakistan's future.
President Zardari said 'With nearly 67 per cent of Pakistan's population under the age of 30, our youth represents the nation's greatest strength. The aspirations, talent and leadership of young women in particular are essential for our socio-economic development. By expanding opportunities for girls and young women in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, science, technology and leadership, we can unlock the full potential of our nation. This day also serves as a reminder that if challenges such as lack of educational opportunities, high youth unemployment rate and digital literacy gaps are not addressed in a timely manner, the long term consequences are bound to ripple across the whole society including economic stagnation, brain drain, crimes proliferation, human trafficking, mental health issues and even civil unrest'.
He said that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to empowering youth. The Prime Minister's Youth Programme is the Government of Pakistan's flagship initiative for youth empowerment, aimed at harnessing the country's demographic dividend by providing young people with opportunities in education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sports and civic engagement.
President Zardari said 'I encourage our young women and men to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, uphold the values of integrity, compassion and tolerance and actively contribute to the progress of our country. Let us transform our common aspirations into shared achievements and build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad Pakistani Youth Paindabad'.
Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharif in his message said that Pakistan joins the international community in observing International Youth Day and pays tribute to our talented youth for their immense potential, vibrant energy, and positive aspirations.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'This year, International Youth Day is being observed under the theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations. ' The theme duly underscores the fact that although the lives of young people across the world are shaped by diverse circumstances, their dreams, aspirations, and hopes for a brighter future remain remarkably similar'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said '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. Pakistan's young population has brought laurels to the country at both the national and international levels through their achievements across various fields of life. At the local level too, our youth are playing a constructive role as active members of society'.
He said that ensuring the best possible intellectual, physical, mental, and academic development of our youth through the effective utilization of all available national resources remains among the Government's key priorities. 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.
He said that alongside various policy initiatives, the Government is also taking practical measures enabling young people to align their abilities, skills, and professional competencies with international standards so to make the country proud on the global stage.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said '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. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Programme (PMYSDP) is striving to ensure a talented and skilled workforce in the country. The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has been further strengthened on a priority basis to provide internationally recognized certifications and world-class training in professional and technical skills. The national institution is taking special measures to equip the workforce with internationally recognized qualifications and the skills required by industries'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'On this day, I have a special message for our youth: continue your journey of hard work with honesty, responsibility, and a spirit of service to 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'.