Pakistani youth second to none, says PM
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday terming youth an asset for the nation said the government was imparting them quality education to utilize their skill and energies for the country’s progress and prosperity. “Pakistani youth is second to none, having a passion to work for progress of the country if provided with better skills and opportunities,” the Prime Minister said at the certificate awarding ceremony organized by National Vocational and Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC) at Convention Centre here.
Prime Minister Aziz urged the youth to work diligently and honestly to strengthen the country. “I assure you that Pakistan’s future is very bright, if you prove yourself through hardwork,” the Prime Minister told the youth.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said in many big states, the percentage of youth population was reducing however Pakistan had very favourable demographic dividends in this regard with 100 million youth aging below 25 years. He said the government was focusing on providing better education facilities to the young generation so that maximum benefit could be drawn from their skills. Prime Minister said seven million Pakistanis were already working abroad and contributing to the economies of their states of residence. He said this year, the government intended to immigrate 250 million skilled labour abroad for attaining job opportunities. “If you work hard, it will take you to excellence in every field of life,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government was encouraging meritocracy in the country to ensure level playing field for all, may it poor or rich.
He said to meet the demand of skilled manpower, the NAVTEC was established to facilitate, regulate and provide policy direction for technical education two years back.
He appreciated NAVTEC for its policy of short courses in various subjects including livestock and agriculture, hotel management, technical education among others aimed at empowering youth to use their skills for economic development.
He said the government made exquisite policies in telecom sector which attracted billions of dollar investment and asked the youth to learn skills related to this field. The Prime Minister announced to increase stipend up to Rs 2,000 for the students getting training under NAVTEC programmes.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan became a nuclear power due to the hardwork of its scientists, who with their professional skills helped the country attain a strong position in the comity of nations.
“We are maintaining peace through nuclear power. Pakistan has showed the world that it is strong enough to defend itself,” he said. He asked women in the country to play role for the development of the country by working in all sectors as the government was striving to provide them their due rights. “The provision of women’s rights does not mean westernization. They [women] can work within the limits of religious and social norms.”
Chairman NAVTEC Altaf Saleem said 216 courses were initiated in one year in various subjects to provide the youth maximum job opportunities.
He said next year 200 million students would be imparted technical and vocational training.
He said about 26,000 persons have already been trained under the NAVTEC programmes.
He said the government was focusing on providing better education facilities to the young generation so that maximum benefit could be drawn from their skills. Prime Minister said seven million Pakistanis were already working abroad and contributing to the economies of their states of residence.