Economic revival, youth empowerment, national security pillars of Pakistan’s future: Rana Mashhood

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jun, 2026) Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Thursday

said that Pakistan had successfully navigated extraordinary challenges, including economic

instability, terrorism, external pressures and regional tensions, and was now steadily moving

towards economic recovery, self-reliance and sustainable growth through a strategy that links industrial development, youth empowerment and national security.

Addressing industrialists and traders during his visit to the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he said that chambers of commerce represented the true lifeline of Pakistan’s economy while the country’s youth constituted its most valuable national asset.

He said that the government was pursuing a unified agenda for strengthening industry, expanding business activity and equipping young people with the skills required to drive future economic growth.

He said that Pakistan’s economy largely depended on the contributions of industrialists, exporters, entrepreneurs and the business community, who played a central role in generating employment opportunities, increasing exports and sustaining economic activity across the country.

He said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had consistently pursued business-friendly policies and had undertaken historic initiatives in the past to accelerate industrial growth, improve infrastructure and address the country’s energy challenges.

Referring to the economic situation inherited by the present government, he said that Pakistan faced unprecedented financial difficulties and serious economic uncertainties when the government assumed office. At that time, many analysts had predicted economic collapse and questioned the country’s ability to meet its financial obligations. However, prudent policymaking, responsible economic management and difficult but necessary reforms enabled the government to steer the country away from crisis and restore confidence in the national economy, he added.

Rana Mashhood credited former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for taking far-sighted decisions that contributed to economic development and industrial expansion.

He said that several major energy projects completed during previous PML-N governments significantly improved electricity supply for industries and consumers.

He said that Pakistan had reached a stage in 2016 where dependence on international financial institutions had been substantially reduced, although subsequent economic difficulties forced the country to seek support through International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs once again.

The PMYP Chairman said that the government was now working on a comprehensive strategy for permanently reducing reliance on IMF programs and establishing a strong, self-sustaining economy capable of supporting sovereign national decision-making.

Discussing regional developments, he said that Pakistan had demonstrated national unity and strong defensive capabilities during every challenging phase of its history. Recent regional tensions had highlighted Pakistan’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests, he added.

He said that the country's defence remained secure under capable leadership. The nation and armed forces also stood united against all forms of threats and aggression, he added.

He also praised the sacrifices of security personnel and military forces who continued to work for peace and stability across the country.

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Referring to tensions with India, he said that any future aggression would be met with a stronger response than before.

The PMYP Chairman said that the government was striving to present a balanced and people-friendly budget despite difficult economic conditions.

He expressed hope that improved regional stability and uninterrupted trade routes would contribute positively to economic recovery and strengthen business confidence.

Rana Mashhood said that Pakistan had successfully confronted terrorism, fifth-generation warfare and various conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country.

Turning to youth development, he said that the government had placed young people at the center of its national agenda because a skilled and empowered youth population was imperative for Pakistan’s future prosperity.

He said the PML-N had introduced Pakistan’s first comprehensive youth policy, creating opportunities in education, skill development, employment, sports, technology and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting rapid global technological changes, he said that educational systems and skill requirements were evolving at an unprecedented pace. It had therefore become imperative to prepare Pakistani youth for future demands through modern training and technological literacy, he added.

He said that the government was implementing initiatives in semiconductor and chip development, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the Digital Youth Hub program to ensure Pakistani youth could compete effectively in international markets.

He said that demand for skilled manpower was increasing both domestically and internationally. To address this need, the government planned to introduce six-month and one-year specialized training programs aligned with market requirements, he added.

He said that the young people seeking overseas employment would also receive training in international languages to improve their competitiveness and access to global job opportunities.

The PMYP Chairman said that multiple programs were currently under way to facilitate overseas employment opportunities for millions of Pakistani youth while more than 100,000 job opportunities were already available through official government portals. “These initiatives are aimed at providing dignified employment, economic stability and a brighter future for our youth”, he added.

Rana Mashhood emphasized that the government wanted to establish strong linkages between industry, trade and young entrepreneurs to encourage business growth and create more avenues for talented youth to contribute to the economy.

Inviting Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry to become an active partner in the national vision of a “Determined Pakistan”, he said that the government would continue introducing additional facilities and opportunities for young people in consultation with the business community.

He said that special facilitation would be provided in loan processing for chamber-certified young entrepreneurs, enabling more youth to launch businesses, create jobs and contribute to economic expansion.

He said that Pakistan’s economic, social and security challenges could only be overcome through national unity, business confidence and the productive engagement of young people.

The government is committed to work closely with industrialists, traders, investors and youth to build a strong, self-reliant and prosperous Pakistan, he added.