Rana Mashood highlights youth empowerment, opportunities, digital education initiatives

KARACHI, Oct 24 (APP):Federal Minister and Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programm (PMYP) Rana Mashood on Saturday emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, equal educational opportunities, and technological advancement, stating that the government was making efforts to equip the youth with skills and utilize their God-gifted talent for national development.

      Addressing the Students of National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) at Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU), he said that the people in Sindh had faced lack of facilities but had demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges whenever given opportunities.

     He stressed that Pakistan should benefit from the talent and potential of its young population.

     He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned equal opportunities for everyone at the time of Pakistan’s creation, adding that the government is trying to ensure equal access to education, skills and development.

     Rana Mashood said that he had been working for youth empowerment for the past 30 years.

    Highlighting educational initiatives, he said that Danish Schools had been established to provide quality education and that the programme was being expanded across the country.

     Five schools are being established in Sindh, while a total of 30 schools are planned nationwide, he added.

     The Federal Minister said that the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund had been established to provide scholarships to deserving students and had subsequently been transformed into the Pakistan Educational Endowment Fund to extend support at the national level.

     Discussing youth development initiatives, he underscored the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, the PM Digital Youth Hub, and NAVTTC programmes and described NAVTTC’s skills development initiatives as potential game changers for young people.

     He said that rapid technological advancements were changing and making it essential for young people to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.

    He also announced plans for Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) uniform policy and the establishment of e-sports arenas.

     Rana Mashood further highlighted opportunities for dual-degree programmes in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), as well as online courses available through digital platforms.

     Speaking about technology and education, he said that 18,000 laptops had been distributed across Pakistan and that laptops were being provided to university students. He added that, in view of emerging technological trends, 250,000 Chromebook laptops would be distributed to schools across the country every year. According to him, the programme had been initiated a day earlier.

      He also recalled the establishment of IT laboratories in schools across Punjab, emphasizing the need to equip students with the digital skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving world.

    Rana Mashood urged the young people not to fear setbacks, saying that failures were an essential part of life and provided valuable lessons.

     He stressed that there was no shortcut to success and encouraged youth to work hard, embrace innovation and pursue entrepreneurship.

    He also announced the launch of Pakistan’s National Youth Employment Policy, describing youth employment and skills development as key priorities for the country’s future.

    Addressing the ceremony, Coordinator for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) for the Sindh Region Fahad Shafiq highlighted the importance of improving educational standards and expanding opportunities for young people across Pakistan.

    He drew comparisons between the education standards of Karachi and Punjab, emphasizing the need to improve educational facilities and ensure quality education for students.

     He acknowledged Rana Mashood contributions to education and development, noting that several programmes had been launched under his leadership to promote youth empowerment and provide opportunities for young people.

     Fahad Shafiq said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was initiated in 2013 and had since introduced various initiatives aimed at supporting youth through education, skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

   He also highlighted the federal government’s efforts to promote national development, stating that continued attention to education and youth-focused initiatives was essential for country’s progress.

    DG NAVTTAC Sindh Dr. Fida Bazai also addressed the ceremony on the occasion.

      Later, the MAJU Vice Chancellor presented a shield to the Federal Minister and Chairman PMYP Rana Mashood.