Govt expands global skills drive for youth

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2026) Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan attended a ceremony in Islamabad as the chief guest where honorary doctorate degrees were conferred.

Addressing the gathering, he said the government is expanding cooperation with leading international institutions for youth development.

He said the PMYP aims to equip Pakistani youth with world class skills in technical education, information technology and innovation.

He added that the initiative is intended to create greater employment opportunities.

The PMYP Chairman said the government is also working to build a future ready and globally competitive workforce.

Rana Mashhood said youth empowerment remains one of the government's top priorities.

He said investment in young people is essential for Pakistan's economic growth and long term competitiveness.

He added that the PMYP is creating educational, technical and employment opportunities across the country.

Recalling his tenure in Punjab, he said the province introduced Pakistan's first youth policy to empower young people.

He said the policy focused on education and skills development.

Khan said the Punjab Endowment Fund and Daanish Schools were established to expand access to quality education for deserving students.

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The PMYP Chairman said the programme is strengthening cooperation with leading international institutions to provide advanced training in technical education, information technology and innovation.

He said several new skill development programmes have been launched to prepare young Pakistanis for emerging industries.

Highlighting rapid technological change, he said Pakistan is among the few countries developing an artificial intelligence curriculum.

He said the initiative will help young Pakistanis compete in the global digital economy.

Turning to agriculture, Rana Mashhood said Pakistan has significantly increased olive cultivation and production.

He said Pakistani olives are recognised among the world's finest.

Stressing the need for greater value addition to agricultural products, he said it would boost exports and improve farmers' incomes.

He also highlighted the importance of startups and innovation.

He said the government has made both sectors a key priority.

He added that Pakistan is establishing partnerships with Chinese technical and agricultural universities to strengthen knowledge transfer and skills development.

He concluded by saying that a highly skilled workforce is essential to maximise the benefits of these partnerships.