ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched Pakistan’s first National Youth Employment Policy on Aug. 12 to expand jobs, skills training and business opportunities, according to Radio Pakistan.
The state broadcaster said the policy would provide women with a 50% labour-force quota. It also assigns 10% of the annual quota to startups to encourage youth-led businesses.
The women’s figure differs from earlier federal material. A May 2026 Press Information Department statement described a target of at least 35% female labour-force participation, not a 35% employment quota.
Shehbaz said the federal government would send 1,000 young people to China for information technology and artificial intelligence training. Radio Pakistan reported that the government would cover their expenses.
The prime minister said students had received 700,000 laptops. Another 250,000 Chromebooks will go to high-achieving students this year, according to the broadcaster.
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Shehbaz also announced a technology-focused Daanish University in Islamabad. He said classes would begin next year, with admission based on merit rather than students’ ability to pay.
Radio Pakistan said the prime minister also launched two initiatives at the International Youth Day ceremony. They are the National Power Sector Innovation Programme and the Skills Ambassador Programme.
