ISLAMABAD, June 4: The Government of Pakistan has launched Pur Azm Pakistan, a national initiative aimed at improving access to skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for young people across the country.

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Focus on skills, jobs and entrepreneurship Friends of GenU Pakistan platform launched Marketplace and policy dialogue held

The programme has been introduced through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) in partnership with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited (GenU). Officials say the initiative is designed to address challenges faced by millions of young Pakistanis who are currently outside education, employment or training systems.

Speaking at the launch, PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the initiative seeks to connect education, skills development and employment through a coordinated national framework.

Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with nearly 67 percent of citizens under the age of 30. According to organizers, an estimated 32 million young people are currently not engaged in education, employment or training.

Focus on skills, jobs and entrepreneurship

Pur Azm Pakistan aims to bring together government institutions, private sector organizations, development partners and young people to expand access to vocational training, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support.

The programme places particular emphasis on increasing opportunities for girls and young people from underserved communities.

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside said the initiative represents an opportunity to strengthen pathways from education to employment and help young people participate more effectively in the country’s economy.

Friends of GenU Pakistan platform launched

The event also marked the launch of Friends of GenU Pakistan, a platform designed to encourage business sector investment in youth development.

The initiative will support partnerships focused on skills training, entrepreneurship, innovation and work-based learning opportunities to help young people transition successfully from education into the workforce.

Generation Unlimited Chief Executive Officer Kevin Frey said the collaboration demonstrates how government institutions, businesses and youth can work together to develop scalable models for employment and entrepreneurship.

Marketplace and policy dialogue held

As part of the launch event, organizers hosted a Learn-to-Earn Marketplace featuring youth-led businesses, innovations and entrepreneurship projects from across Pakistan.

A high-level discussion titled “Bridging Ambition and Opportunity” brought together policymakers, private sector representatives and young people to discuss digital employment, green economy opportunities, skills reforms and entrepreneurship development.

Officials said Pur Azm Pakistan and Friends of GenU Pakistan aim to help millions of young people transition from learning to earning while contributing to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth and development.