PM Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Urges Youth to Take Responsibility for Pakistan’s Development

Quetta:Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, emphasized that there are no shortcuts to success, urging the youth to take their future seriously. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts for stability in Balochistan, stressing that the federal government is investing in the youth to help them stand on their own feet and contribute to the nation’s progress. He also assured that the future of Balochistan’s students is bright, citing increased opportunities for them through government schemes like the Laptop Scheme.

Speaking at an event where students received laptops, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan shared that Balochistan’s share in the Laptop Scheme had been increased from 14% to 18%, ensuring that more students in the province will benefit. He said that now 18,000 students from Balochistan will receive laptops on merit. He also mentioned that the federal government is launching new initiatives, including a plan to provide 150,000 laptops to students who are unable to meet the merit criteria, allowing them to purchase the laptops in installments over 4 to 5 years.

He spoke about the significance of education and technology, saying that Pakistan’s economy is improving, with all economic indicators moving in the right direction. The government, according to Rana Mashhood, is no longer focused on taking loans but is promoting foreign investment as part of its economic strategy. He reiterated that growth and stability are interconnected and stressed that stability in Balochistan is essential for the province’s progress and, by extension, the nation’s prosperity.

Rana Mashhood Khan shared his pride in the confidence displayed by Balochistan’s students, stating that this confidence is crucial as they prepare to enter the practical world. He emphasized that Punjab was the first province to create a youth policy, leading to the establishment of the Endowment Funds that now support the educational expenses of 150,000 students in Punjab. The federal government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has expanded this initiative into a national program, making it accessible to students across Pakistan.

In addition, Rana Mashhood mentioned that the Prime Minister had launched an internship program for 3,000 students from Balochistan, with 30,000 internships available across the country, including a dedicated share for Balochistan. He remarked that after the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s focus has shifted towards startups and technology, and Pakistan is also focusing on these areas for future growth.

Addressing the challenges faced by Balochistan, Rana Mashhood said that while the province has suffered from deprivation, it is essential to identify those responsible for these issues. He concluded by saying that the stability of the country depends on the stability of its regions and that the youth, especially those in Balochistan, must be empowered to contribute to this stability.

The event was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mirowais Kasi and other distinguished guests, where students who received laptops shared their experiences and the opportunities the scheme has opened up for them. Rana Mashhood Khan’s speech was a call to action for the youth of Balochistan to take charge of their futures and contribute to the development of their province and country.