Imran launches programme for youth's progress

Islamabad, Oct 18 (IANS) Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched the ‘Kamyab Jawan Programme under which young men and women would be provided with loans to set up their businesses and also given a set of educational and skill-development opportunities.

A sum of 100 billion Pakistani rupees ($639 million) has been allocated for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's flagship initiative for the welfare of the country's youth, The Express Tribune reported.

Of this amount, 25 billion Pakistani rupees has been set aside for women. Loans of up to 100,000 Pakistani rupees will be interest-free while those ranging between 100,000 and 500,000 Pakistani rupees in two other categories will be concessionary ones provided at low interest rates.

The programme is expected to benefit one million young people. The loans will be distributed on a priority basis in 45 underprivileged districts.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the programme here on Islamabad, Khan said: "The loans will be granted purely on merit... We will help provide placements and apprenticeship to 25,000 people.

"Smart laboratories will be set up for distance learning and at least 200 teachers will be sent abroad for training."

"The programme will also arrange internships through which 25,000 young people will be connected with industries."

There are six initiatives under the Kamyab Jawan Programme: ‘Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme', ‘Skill for All Programme', ‘Startup Pakistan Programme', ‘Green Youth Movement', ‘Internship Programme' and the ‘Jawan Markaz' which is a one-stop solution for youth-related issues at the grass-roots level.