Govt fully committed to youth, women empowerment
Islamabad: Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that the government is fully committed to empowering youth and women as key drivers of Pakistan’s economic revival. Addressing a gathering at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he appreciated the Chamber’s proactive role in promoting a conducive business environment and lauded the Women’s Chamber for effectively supporting female entrepreneurs through hand-holding and mentorship.
The ceremony featured the distribution of goods boxes among women to help them start their own small businesses. The initiative was organized by Hoorain Collection in collaboration with Munir Vocational Training & Job Placement Institute as part of efforts to promote women’s entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s economic outlook has strengthened significantly. Remittances have crossed $38 billion, an all-time high and are expected to exceed $40 billion, while global financial institutions are increasingly viewing Pakistan as a viable emerging economy. He added that the government aims to facilitate 2.1 million Pakistanis for overseas employment next year through structured skill development and international placements.
Highlighting the success of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, he shared that the scheme offers loans in three tiers: up to Rs. 5 lakh for startups, Rs. 15 lakh for growing businesses, and an enhanced upper limit increased from Rs. 75 lakh to Rs. 2.5–3 crore. Beneficiaries have surged from 71,000 to more than 271,000 in the past two years, with the loan portfolio set to expand from Rs. 200 billion to Rs. 250–300 billion in the coming year.
Emphasizing inclusivity, he noted that women currently account for 11% of loan beneficiaries, with efforts underway to raise this to 25% through dedicated facilitation centres. He also announced that Pakistan’s first Youth Employment Policy has been approved, mandating at least 35% female participation in the labour force. Reaffirming the government’s unwavering support for entrepreneurs, he expressed confidence that through youth and women empowerment, Pakistan will achieve sustained economic growth and prosperity.
Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Sardar Tahir Mehmood warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and appreciated his dedicated services for youth development and human capital enhancement. He stated that ICCI has consistently taken practical measures to promote vocational training, entrepreneurship, and job creation, particularly for women and young people.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood further emphasized that strong public-private sector partnership is vital for putting the country on the path of sustainable economic progress. He reaffirmed that ICCI remains committed to working hand in hand with the government and private stakeholders to expand employment opportunities and support small and medium enterprises.
Samina Fazil, President Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the sitting government is fully supporting the women entrepreneurs and that now it is their responsibility to derive benefit from the facilitation.
Tahir Ayub, Senior Vice President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry who performed as master of the ceremony also highlighted the women’s role in country’s development.
Umaira Gillani of Hoorain Collections talked about the success of the women to whom she provided patronage and guidance for the empowerment.
Those present also included ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, Executive members Fatima Azim, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, Traders Welfare Associations office bearers and women entrepreneurs in large number.
