ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated the resolve of his government to promote the culture of merit and honesty in the country.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kamyab Jawan Program, one of PTI government’s flagship initiatives, in Islamabad this evening, he said youth are future of Pakistan and our destiny depends on them.
He said PTI government strongly believes in merit and transparency and summary of Kamyab Jawan program is a program of merit.
Imran Khan said only those nations move forward in the world that follows the rule of merit.
He said as a result of establishment of state of Madina by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslims ruled the world for over a thousand years. He said meritocracy and uprightness were hallmarks of the state of Madinah which helped it succeed.
The Prime Minister said the main reason for demise of Muslims in the world was the adoption of monarchy and not giving democratic rights to their society. Imran Khan said the Mughal Empire went to decline as they did not follow the rule of merit.
He urged the youth to read about the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as he is a role model for the whole world. He congratulated all stakeholders for launching the first phase of program for youth of the country.
Imran Khan said Youth Skills Foundation will be set up for youth of the country and he will personally monitor the programme to check its progress.
He said minorities, being equal citizens of Pakistan, will also benefit from the programme alike. He said a uniform system of education will be introduced into the country to streamline the society. The Prime Minister said the next programmes to be launched for youth are Green Youth Movement, and StartUp Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said we need to change our mentality to become a self-reliant and self-esteemed nation. For this, we will need to develop a culture of paying taxes to make the economy working.
Earlier, addressing the function Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar said this program will take our youth to prosperity.
He said Kamyab Jawan program is the first step on the promise made by Prime Minister Imran Khan to make the youth employed. He said 68 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of youth.
Usman Dar regretted that previous governments failed to devise policies for the development of youth.
He said our government has prepared the country’s first Youth Development Framework, under which work is being carried out in six areas.
Loans fewer than 100,000 rupees will be without interest and will be distributed on priority basis in 45 under privileged districts.
Under Kamyab Jawan Program, one hundred billion rupees will be distributed among youth as loans for their business ventures.
The youth are being provided loans under three categories. It is anticipated that the program will benefit one million youth.
Two hundred feasibilities have also been made available online to help assist the youth in working on business ideas. Under the program, ten billion rupees will be spent on skills education and one hundred smart laboratories will be established to impart the modern skills to youth.
A program component will also provide twenty five thousand youth apprenticeship opportunities with the industry. Five hundred skills laboratories will also be established in Madaris.
A quota of twenty five percent has been allocated for women to increase their share in the national economy. Kamyab Jawan program has been prepared under National Youth Development Framework and it will act as milestone to make youth of the country independent.
The program will help cope with unemployment and poverty. An integrated system has been developed for transparent and modern scrutiny of applications.
Meanwhile, Lt General Ahmed Bin Harith Al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of Sultan’s Armed Forces, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the close, cordial relations between Pakistan and Oman and reiterated the resolve to further deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. Matters related to enhancement of trade and transportation links were also discussed.
The Prime Minister apprised him of the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir including inhuman lockdown, curfew and communication blockade which had continued since August 5 and severely impacted the lives of over 8 million Kashmiris.
The Prime Minister stressed that implementation of the UNSC resolutions remained the only solution of the dispute. Chief of Staff Lt General Ahmed conveyed the cordial greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said.
He noted the strong Oman-Pakistan bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the existing level of defence cooperation, including frequent exchange of visits, training exchange programs and joint exercises.
The Chief of Staff expressed admiration for the Prime Minister’s speech at the UNGA and lauded his initiative for de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf and promoting regional peace and security.
The Chief of Staff also reiterated the Omani leadership’s invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Oman at the earliest convenience. – NNI