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ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan Wednesday said that the government is taking strong steps to empower women and youth. He highlighted a 33 percent quota for women in jobs and a 25 percent quota in the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme loan scheme, along with loans at zero interest and on easy terms.
Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan addressed the Women Entrepreneurship Conference – WECON Masawaat 2025 held here at the Pak-China Centre.
The conference, organized by the British Council and Change Mechanics, brought together guests, partners, and women entrepreneurs from across Pakistan. Rana Mashhood praised the theme “Masawaat” (Equity) for 2025, calling it an Islamic value, a principle of justice, and a foundation for national progress.
He said PMYP, under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, empowers nearly 70 percent of Pakistan’s population under 30 through its 4Es framework: Education, Employment, Engagement, and Environment.
The programme provides scholarships, laptops, business loans, internships, innovation awards, and leadership platforms to ensure youth participation across all sectors.
Rana Mashhood recalled reforms in Punjab, including dismantling the booti mafia and promoting meritocracy. Hidden talent has flourished, he said, citing a Punjab University student from Hafizabad who broke a 120-year-old academic record while supporting his family.
He also highlighted a young girl from Yazman who achieved academic success despite economic hardship.
Women’s empowerment remains a priority. Punjab addressed long-standing neglect of inheritance rights. A 33 percent quota in public-sector jobs and 25 percent PMYP loan allocation were implemented.
Rana Mashhood noted that only 11 percent of women used the loan scheme last year. Participation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remained below 3 percent. Directives were issued to banks and microfinance organizations to increase outreach and ensure equitable access for women.
He thanked partners and stakeholders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an inclusive, merit-based, opportunity-driven environment for youth and women.