Latest news with #DigitalYouthHub
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM laptop scheme 2025 reopens for students: How to apply
The federal government has officially relaunched the Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Scheme for 2025, aiming to distribute 100,000 laptops to high-achieving students throughout Pakistan. This initiative forms a key part of the broader Digital Youth Hub programme, intended to bolster digital access and skill development among the country's youth. Open to students from all academic disciplines, the scheme underscores a merit-based selection process, ensuring fairness and transparency in the distribution of devices. The move reflects the government's commitment to strengthening education, bridging the digital divide, and promoting equal opportunities across the nation. Applications must be submitted by 20 May 2025. Eligibility criteria: Students currently enrolled in public sector universities in Pakistan can apply. Selection is merit-based, with priority given to high-achieving and financially deserving students to ensure fair access to digital resources. Application Details: Students can apply via the official Digital Youth Hub platform: Website: Mobile App: Available for Android and iOS Android User: iPhone User:
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Madrassas integrated in youth policy
Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, has emphasized the integration of madrassas into the national mainstream, praising the foundational education provided by these institutions. The Prime Minister's Youth Program conducted a Consultative Session on the National Adolescent and Youth Policy at the Institute of Management Sciences (IM Sciences) here on Monday. The session was led by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and attended by students, faculty members, religious scholars, and key stakeholders from various sectors. During his comprehensive and passionate address, Mashhood emphasized the pivotal role of the youth in nation-building. He stated that despite the historical challenges faced by Pakistan, today's youth hold the power to transform the country's future. He noted the resilience of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the face of terrorism, climate change, and economic challenges and praised their determination to move forward with hope and strength. He stressed that Pakistan was created with a vision of equality, unity, and opportunity, and today, the nation must return to those founding principles. Referring to the global and regional challenges faced by countries like Syria, Iraq, and Palestine, he underlined the importance of unity and inclusive development to prevent internal discord and ensure national progress. A key focus of the address was the launch of Pakistan's first National Adolescent and Youth Policy, developed through wide-scale consultation and inclusive planning. Mashhood announced a 26-city youth engagement tour aimed at involving youth from all walks of lifeincluding university students, technical workers, madrassa students, and out-of-school youthin policy development and implementation. He highlighted key initiatives under the Prime Minister's Youth Program, aimed at empowering young Pakistanis through targeted support and opportunities. These include the Digital Youth Hub, a comprehensive online platform offering scholarships, internships, job listings, and personalized career guidance; the largest-ever national effort to expand technical and vocational training, preparing youth for global employment markets; the National Employment Policy, which aligns federal and provincial strategies to guarantee decent work opportunities; and a firm commitment to girls' education, underscored by Pakistan's international agreements with OIC nations to ensure that no child is denied education due to a lack of resources. He called for the rejection of any narrative that creates divisions within the Pakistani society, stressing that unity, discipline, and faith are essential for progress.
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'IMF programmes bring stability, not progress,' says PM Shehbaz
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that nations do not progress through International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, emphasising that Pakistan has already achieved the stability it needs. Speaking at the launch of the Prime Minister Digital Youth Hub, he clarified that the $1 billion loan from the IMF is not earned income but borrowed funds. The prime minister said the public is aware that a staff-level agreement has been reached with the IMF, but it is a loan of one million dollars — not something Pakistan has earned on its own. He stressed that the younger generation's hard work and skills must transform a life of debt into one of dignity. 'I will go to the last extent to free you from this debt,' he said. 'We need to economically empower our farmers, industrialists, and youth.' PM Sharif said young people in Pakistan must be made capable of earning a respectable livelihood. 'We will cut other expenses and allocate more funds for youth training,' he added, promising to serve the nation as its humble servant. He stated that investing in the youth would lead Pakistan toward progress. "Today is a day of unique happiness.' Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, he said education, health, and youth development had been top priorities. 'If young people are trained in IT, AI, and vocational skills, they will become the country's greatest asset,' he said, recalling the free distribution of 400,000 laptops to deserving students purely on merit. 'In today's world, advanced technology is a necessity,' he added. The prime minister also announced that Rs34 billion had flowed into the national treasury over the past three weeks. This amount had previously been stuck due to stay orders obtained by banks through the courts.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM approves youth skills training plan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired the review meeting on the National Youth Employment Plan and approved the plan to provide youth with training programs according to market and industry skills and demand. The meeting was briefed on the action plan to provide training and employment opportunities through various institutions in the next 4 years, whereas the Prime Minister had decided to personally chair the monthly review meeting and would personally monitor the implementation of the plan, the Prime Minister's Office news release said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the talented youth of Pakistan were the most valuable asset of the country, whereas the government was empowering and employing the youth by providing them with vocational training and necessary skills. The prime minister added that the government was taking steps to promote the export of manpower by providing international quality training to Pakistani youth. During the review meeting, the prime minister had directed to maintain continuous liaison with local industries for training youth in various sectors and to meticulously consider the demand of international organizations for manpower. The Prime Minister has also directed to establish comprehensive database regarding the skills required in local industries. The meeting was informed that in the next 4 years, 2.4 million to 6 million youth annually would be asssited to gain employment opportunities by providing them vocational training and skills. The meeting was informed that the market, industries and international manpower consumption were being kept in mind to provide skills and vocational training to the youth. The meeting was informed that the Digital Youth Hub was in the final stages and would be launched this month. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of all the relevant ministries and institutions working on the plan. Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and relevant senior officials attended the meeting. Newly appointed SAPM Newly appointed Special Assistant Huzaifa Rehman called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters relating to mutual interest. During the meeting, the prime minister congratulated Huzaifa Rehman on joining the federal cabinet and extended his best wishes.
