Sabahat Sarwar
Pakistan is among the countries with one of the largest youth populations in the world, with nearly two-thirds of its population under the age of 30. Recognizing this demographic strength, the government has prioritized youth empowerment through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), which is built around its core agenda of the “4Es”: Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Engagement & Environment. The programme operates nationwide, aiming to equip young people with skills, opportunities and resources for a sustainable future.
In an exclusive conversation, Dr. Fahad Shafiq, Coordinator of PMYP Sindh, confirmed that IT courses have resumed soon at the Governor House. He stated that, in the first phase, students who were previously enrolled will be facilitated to complete their courses. He further emphasized that, unlike before, participants will now receive officially recognized and government-certified credentials upon completion.
Dr. Shafiq also revealed that additional initiatives, including more IT courses and sports activities, are set to be launched at the Governor House in the near future, further expanding opportunities for young people in the province.
Highlighting the programme’s recent achievements, he shared that over 6 lac students have benefited from PMYP courses in the past six months alone. During the month of Ramadan, approximately 20,000 laptops were distributed among high-achieving students across 33 universities in Sindh. According to him, the distribution process was entirely transparent, with eligibility based on a CGPA and successful application through the official website portal.
He also announced an upcoming mega youth engagement event in Karachi, to be held at the historic Mazar-e-Quaid. The event is expected to bring together around 25,000 students, where the Prime Minister will attend as chief guest and personally distribute laptops among candidates.
Beyond education, PMYP continues to offer a wide range of initiatives, including skill development courses, scholarships and business support programmes. Youth aged between 18 to 30 can apply for these opportunities through a transparent selection process, often conducted via the National Testing Service (NTS). The programme also facilitates loans for startups, supports entrepreneurial ventures, and promotes innovation through youth development centers.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Fahad Shafiq coordinator PMYP Sindh urged young people to remain focused on their careers and actively pursue learning opportunities. He encouraged them to contribute positively to the country’s progress, enhance its global image and make full use of the opportunities provided under government initiatives.
