ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have described Pakistan’s youth as an invaluable national asset and builders of the country’s bright future, stressing that harnessing their potential is essential for a prosperous, peaceful and strong Pakistan.
In his message on World Youth Day, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistani youth, saying their energy, creativity and determination are valuable assets for the country. He noted that around 67 percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, making young people the country’s largest human capital.
The president said empowering young people was, in fact, an investment in Pakistan’s future. He added that access to quality education, dignified employment and opportunities for innovation were among the common aspirations of the youth, while promoting the potential and leadership of young women was essential for the country’s social and economic development.
President Zardari said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was providing young people with opportunities in education, skills, employment and entrepreneurship. He urged the youth to adopt the values of honesty, compassion and tolerance and play an active role in national development.
The president expressed his resolve that the construction of a strong, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan was possible only through the full participation of young people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on World Youth Day, said the day was being observed this year under the theme “Different Circumstances, Shared Aspirations.”
He said the theme reflected the reality that although young people around the world live in different circumstances, they share common dreams, desires and aspirations for a brighter future.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s young population had brought pride to the country at both national and international levels across different fields of life. He said the government was prioritizing the use of all available resources for the mental, physical, intellectual and academic development of young people.
The prime minister said the government was committed to empowering youth by providing them with opportunities for modern and quality education, technical and professional skills, employment, business and entrepreneurship, digital innovation and social inclusion.
According to the prime minister, the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme was working to prepare a talented and skilled workforce, while the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission had been further activated on a priority basis to provide professional training according to international standards.
He urged young people to continue working hard with honesty, responsibility and a spirit of service to the country, saying the development of youth was the guarantee of sustainable national progress and a bright future.
