Prime Minister’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said Pakistan aims to boost IT exports from $2.5 billion to $25 billion within four years by investing in youth skills and employment opportunities.
Speaking at the Employment Expo organised by Punjab University in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, he said the government plans to nurture youth talent through the National Adolescent and Youth Policy based on individual interests and market demands.
He added that around 800,000 young people have registered on the Digital Youth Hub (DYH) within six months, providing employment opportunities on merit without recommendations.
Rana Mashhood announced that the National Youth Employment Policy would be launched within a month to support job creation, startups, and women’s participation in the workforce.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah said the expo aims to connect students with market needs by bringing various industries together.
State Bank of Pakistan representative Tariq Riaz stressed that entrepreneurship is increasingly replacing traditional employment, adding that efforts are underway to ensure financing does not hinder innovative business ideas.
Separately, Punjab University’s Oriental College, in collaboration with the Hungarian Embassy, organised a symposium honouring scholar and explorer Sir Mark Aurel Stein, highlighting his academic contributions and legacy.
A tree plantation ceremony was also held to promote environmental awareness.