Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif offered clear instructions on Friday to prioritise such initiatives in the 2019 development budget that aid in ensuring import replacements, increasing export volume, and promoting innovation in various industries.
In addition, the prime minister requested that specific monies be allocated to the development programme for the welfare and development of the country’s youth.
Shehbaz Sharif, who was chairing a meeting here to discuss budget recommendations for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24, stated that projects connected to higher education, professional training, and job development for the youth must be included in the future budget.
He also requested the establishment of the Pakistan Endowment Fund in order to provide higher education to the country’s young.
He stated that the laptop programme should be incorporated into the upcoming PSDP to offer free computers to top-performing students in order to equip them with new technology skills.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of merit and honesty in awarding scholarships and education to youth.
PM Shehbaz directed that the programmes launched under the Kissan Package be continued and that renewable energy projects be included in the development budget.
The prime minister also requested that special monies be allocated in the 2019 budget for projects that promote innovation in the energy industry.
He stated that all slow-moving continuing PSDP projects that have lost their importance should be withdrawn from the development budget.
Before incorporating any development project in the budget, the prime minister requested that all stakeholders in the relevant sectors and associated parties be consulted and their recommendations be considered.
Earlier in the meeting, the meeting was briefed in depth on the recommendations for adding new projects in the upcoming fiscal year, as well as the status of ongoing projects.
According to the prime minister’s directive, projects relating to agriculture, renewable energy, higher education for youth, professional training, and job creation schemes would be key elements of the development budget.
The meeting was also informed that IT sector growth and export-boosting initiatives would be included in the development budget.
The meeting was also informed that IT sector growth and export-boosting initiatives would be included in the development budget.
Shehbaz Sharif was informed that the Prime Minister Kissan Package and Youth Empowerment Programme, which were included in the budget 2022-23, were now bearing fruit, with over 60,000 youth being provided internships in various government development projects, and wheat production breaking a 10-year record this year.
Federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Advisor Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistants to Prime Minister Malik Ahmad Khan, Ataullah Tarrar, Jehanzeb Khan, and other important officials were present at the meeting.
He stated that the youth should be provided with professional and higher education, as well as skill-based training in the IT sector, through the endowment fund.
