KARACHI, October 14: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan has outlined new initiatives aimed at expanding digital education, technical training and employment opportunities for young people across Pakistan, including plans for a national artificial intelligence policy and the distribution of Chromebooks to schools.
Addressing students of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) at Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) in Karachi, Rana Mashood said the government was working to strengthen youth empowerment through equal access to education, modern technology, entrepreneurship and practical skills needed in a changing job market.
He said Pakistan’s young population represented a significant national resource and that providing students with the right opportunities could help them contribute more effectively to economic and social development.
Referring to educational disparities, Rana Mashood acknowledged that communities in Sindh had faced difficulties because of inadequate facilities but had demonstrated their capabilities whenever opportunities became available.
He recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of equal opportunities for citizens and said the government was seeking to improve access to education, professional training and development programmes across the country.
Government plans AI policy and Chromebook distribution
Highlighting the growing importance of technology in education, Rana Mashood announced plans to introduce Pakistan’s first uniform artificial intelligence policy and establish e-sports arenas.
He said technological advancements were reshaping employment opportunities, making digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship increasingly important for students entering the workforce.
The PMYP chairman also outlined a programme to distribute 250,000 Chromebooks annually to schools across Pakistan, saying the initiative had been launched a day before his address.
According to Rana Mashood, approximately 18,000 laptops had already been distributed across the country, while additional devices were being provided to university students.
He also referred to the establishment of information technology laboratories in Punjab schools, describing access to modern digital facilities as an important part of preparing students for future professional requirements.
The minister highlighted opportunities for dual-degree programmes in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), alongside online courses available through digital learning platforms.
National Youth Employment Policy announced
Rana Mashood also announced the launch of Pakistan’s National Youth Employment Policy, identifying employment generation, technical education and skills development as major priorities.
He highlighted several existing government initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, the PM Digital Youth Hub and NAVTTC training programmes.
He said vocational and technical training could play an important role in helping young people secure employment, establish businesses and adapt to changing industry requirements.
The minister encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship and emerging technologies rather than depend exclusively on conventional employment opportunities.
He also urged young people to remain persistent despite setbacks, saying professional success required sustained effort, learning and determination.
Danish Schools expansion and scholarships highlighted
Discussing efforts to improve educational access, Rana Mashood said the Danish Schools programme was being expanded to provide quality education to students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
He said five schools were being established in Sindh, while 30 institutions were planned across Pakistan.
The minister also highlighted the evolution of the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund into the Pakistan Educational Endowment Fund, which aims to extend scholarship opportunities to deserving students nationwide.
He said financial assistance and improved educational facilities were important for ensuring that talented students could continue their studies regardless of their economic circumstances.
Rana Mashood also referred to his involvement in youth development initiatives over the past three decades, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in education and training.
Sindh youth coordinator calls for better educational standards
Speaking at the ceremony, PMYP Sindh Regional Coordinator Fahad Shafiq stressed the need to improve educational standards and expand opportunities for students across Pakistan.
He discussed differences in educational facilities between Karachi and Punjab, emphasizing the importance of improving institutional capacity and ensuring access to quality education.
Shafiq said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, launched in 2013, had introduced initiatives supporting education, technical training, employment and entrepreneurship.
He also acknowledged Rana Mashood’s role in advancing youth-focused programmes and said continued government attention to education was essential for national development.
Director General NAVTTC Sindh Dr. Fida Bazai also addressed the gathering.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the vice chancellor of Muhammad Ali Jinnah University presented a commemorative shield to Rana Mashood.