Islamabad, March 27, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that nations do not achieve progress through International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes, emphasizing that Pakistan has already attained the stability it needs.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Prime Minister Digital Youth Hub, he reiterated that the recently acquired $1 billion IMF loan is not earned income but borrowed funds. Expressing hope that this would be Pakistan’s last IMF programme, he urged the nation to transition from a debt-ridden existence to a life of dignity and self-reliance through skill development and hard work.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his commitment to cutting government expenditures while investing heavily in youth training. “We will dedicate billions, even trillions, for their future,” he pledged.
Recalling his tenure as Punjab’s chief minister, he highlighted his initiative of distributing 400,000 laptops to high-achieving students, which he described as part of his vision for youth empowerment.
Recognizing Pakistan’s youth as both a challenge and an opportunity, the prime minister emphasized the importance of training in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other modern fields to drive national development and prosperity.
Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, stated that the government is opening new avenues to empower young people across various sectors, including sports, tourism, IT, and the green economy.
UNICEF Officer In-Charge Sharmeela Rasool described the Digital Youth Hub as a platform of opportunity and hope, aimed at strengthening and mobilizing the younger generation for a productive future.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya hailed the initiative as the beginning of a new journey towards development and prosperity, ensuring that Pakistan’s youth have the resources and opportunities to explore their potential.
