Pakistan Launches First National Youth Employment Policy

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally launched Pakistan’s first National Youth Employment Policy, aimed at expanding job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and equipping young people with skills for the future.

The prime minister made the announcement in Islamabad on Wednesday while addressing a ceremony marking International Youth Day 2026.

During the event, Shehbaz Sharif also inaugurated several youth-focused initiatives, including the Power Sector Innovation Programme, the National Youth Employment Policy and the Skills Ambassador Programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, the prime minister said the new employment policy would reserve 50 percent of the labour-force quota for women, with the aim of increasing their participation in the workforce.

He also announced that 10 percent of the annual quota would be allocated to startups, encouraging young people to pursue entrepreneurship and establish their own businesses rather than relying solely on traditional employment opportunities.

The prime minister further announced that 1,000 young men and women will be sent to China for specialised training in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. The participants will be selected on merit, while all training-related expenses will be covered by the government.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to promote digital education, Shehbaz Sharif said 700,000 laptops have already been distributed among talented students. Another 250,000 Chromebooks will be provided to high-achieving students during the current year.

The prime minister also highlighted the government’s Daanish Schools initiative, saying the institutions were established across Pakistan to provide deserving students with quality education comparable to leading institutions such as Aitchison College.

He announced that a new Daanish University is being established in Islamabad, with academic activities expected to begin next year.

According to Shehbaz Sharif, the university will focus on technology, technical education and modern sciences. Admissions will be based solely on merit, regardless of students’ financial circumstances, giving talented young people from different backgrounds access to quality higher education.

The prime minister said the government’s youth-focused programmes were designed to provide young Pakistanis with greater access to education, technology, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.