ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday highlighted the vital role of Pakistan’s youth in national development, pledging continued efforts to expand opportunities in education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
In their separate messages on International Youth Day, observed this year under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the leaders said young people across the world may face different circumstances but share common aspirations for a better future.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the energy, resilience, creativity and commitment of Pakistan’s youth were among the country’s greatest strengths.
He noted that nearly 67% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, describing the youth as the nation’s greatest asset.
The president stressed the importance of meaningful youth participation in education, employment, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, civic engagement and decision-making.
He particularly emphasized expanding opportunities for young women and girls in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, science, technology and leadership, saying their participation was essential for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Zardari also cautioned that challenges including limited educational opportunities, youth unemployment and gaps in digital literacy needed to be addressed in a timely manner, warning that failure to do so could have long-term social and economic consequences.
He said the government remained committed to youth empowerment through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which provides opportunities in education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sports and civic engagement.
The president urged young Pakistanis to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, uphold integrity, compassion and tolerance, and actively contribute to the country’s progress.
“Let us transform our common aspirations into shared achievements and build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, described Pakistan’s youth as an “invaluable national asset” and a driving force for the country’s future, saying their creativity and determination were contributing to progress across various sectors.
He said the government was committed to ensuring the intellectual, physical, mental and academic development of young people through modern education, technical and vocational training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, industrial development, digital innovation and social inclusion.
The prime minister highlighted government initiatives including scholarships, laptop distribution and paid internships aimed at providing talented students opportunities in education, information technology, technical fields and artificial intelligence.
He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme and said the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) was being strengthened to provide internationally recognized certifications and training aligned with industry requirements.
Shehbaz Sharif urged young people to continue their journey with hard work, honesty, responsibility and a spirit of service to the nation.
He said Pakistan’s sustainable development and bright future were intrinsically linked to the progress of its youth, calling for collective efforts to make the country a guarantee of a brighter future for all segments of society, particularly young people.
