Imran launches 'Kamyab Jawan' programme for welfare of Pakistan's youth
Imran Khan addresses the youth at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on Thursday. PTI official Twitter photo
Tariq Butt, Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched the "Kamyab Jawan" programme — an initiative for the welfare of Pakistan’s youth.
Addressing the ceremony, he announced that Rs100 billion has been earmarked for loans as part of this programme.
"Of that, Rs25 billion would be set aside for women,” the prime minister said. "Interest-free loans up to worth Rs100,000 would be provided to young men and women to set up their businesses.”
Imran said the programme would cater to the lowest strata of the society in 45 districts across Pakistan. "All loans will be disbursed purely on merit,” he said, adding that the scheme’s target was to provide loans to at least one million youth. He said the scheme will also focus on skill development.
"At least Rs10 billion will be spent on providing skills. We will help with placements and apprenticeship to 25,000 people,” Imran and added that smart laboratories will be set up for distance learning, and at least 200 teachers will be sent abroad for training.
The prime minister also announced the creation of a National Youth Development Foundation as a networking group for youngsters across the country so they could coordinate regarding employment opportunities and find out from each other regarding job openings.
He said he will personally monitor the programme and ensure that minorities as well as those with special abilities were provided equal opportunities.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar said the programme was focused on ensuring employment opportunities to the youth. No amount of people’s tax is incurred on the programme as it is supported by UN Development Programme, he added.
A similar scheme was launched by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2013, aiming to provide loans to the youth.
"We have youth, it is our power but unfortunately we are lacking in skills," Imran said. He added that the programme will arrange internships under which 25,000 young people will be connected with industries.
Talking about seminaries, he said that 500 labs will also be established in seminaries. "This is the first government which has taken initiatives, we will consider seminary students as our own children, we will impart science education to them," the prime minister said adding that the government has interacted with religious scholars for educational reforms.
"We will try to uniform our education systems," he said after pointing out that three educational systems - English medium, Urdu medium and seminaries - are running in the country. He further said that 2,000 teachers will be sent abroad for international level training.
"I assure you that merit will be ensured in this programme. We will provide loans to even the people of Fazlur Rehman, if they fulfill the merit."
