Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan is still far from becoming a social welfare state, despite efforts to expand opportunities for young people.
Speaking at an event in Islamabad marking International Youth Day 2026, the prime minister said building a welfare-oriented Pakistan was among the original purposes behind the country’s creation.
During the event, PM Shehbaz inaugurated several youth-focused initiatives, including the Power Sector Innovation Programme, National Youth Employment Policy and Skills Ambassador Programme.
The prime minister highlighted Daanish schools as an important step toward creating equal educational opportunities. He said the initiative was designed to help talented students from less privileged families access quality education.
PM Shehbaz said thousands of Daanish school graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers and teachers. He stressed that young people need essential skills and opportunities to contribute effectively to Pakistan’s future.
The premier also announced additional initiatives for high-achieving students. He said 1,000 students would again be sent to China for agriculture education, while selected students would receive state-funded opportunities to study information technology and artificial intelligence.
The prime minister said Pakistan must continue working toward becoming a social welfare state by investing in education, skills and youth development. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan praised the government’s youth initiatives and leadership.
