Under the Vision Pakistan initiative, Mir Group announces decision to empower flood-affected youth and students through digital skills
Islamabad : Chairman of Mir Group, Shakeel Ahmed Mir, and former captain of the Pakistan cricket team and renowned social figure, Shahid Khan Afridi, held a joint press conference, to officially launch the “Vision Pakistan 2030” initiative.
The project aims to empower flood-affected youth by equipping them with modern, in-demand digital skills, promoting tourism through infrastructure development, and supporting local businesses to pave new avenues for national growth.
Shakeel Ahmed Mir –Chairman, Mir Group Speaking on the occasion, Shakeel Ahmed Mir stated that Pakistan is going through one of the toughest challenges in its history. The recent floods have displaced millions of families, severely damaging agriculture and basic infrastructure, and putting the public under extreme duress.
“This is not the time for mere sympathy, but for concrete and practical action. Mir Group stands with the flood-affected families and, through Vision Pakistan 2030, presents a comprehensive plan to rebuild the future of Pakistan,” he said.
He elaborated on the project’s three major pillars:
1. Youth Empowerment
By 2030, the initiative aims to train 10 million youth in digital and technological skills, especially in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern software tools.
A free online learning platform is being launched to facilitate widespread access to skill development.
In the first phase, to be completed by 2025, 1 million students will be registered — with priority given to flood-affected youth.
Dedicated co-working spaces will be established in major cities to provide practical training and networking opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Tourism & Housing – The Onyx Project
In the first phase, 21 serviced apartment towers will be constructed in Northern Areas and other tourist destinations to promote tourism infrastructure.
Subsequently, budget-friendly and sustainable housing projects will be launched in every district across the country.
In the final phase, Smart Cities will be developed, positioning Pakistan among the world’s modern urban centers.
3. Boosting Local Businesses – The Business Hub
A dedicated online platform, “The Business Hub,” will be created to connect local businesses with investors and foster partnerships.
In the second phase, physical business hubs will be established across major cities and districts.
The overall estimated value of the Vision Pakistan initiative is in the billions of dollars, with the potential to redefine Pakistan’s global economic identity.
Shahid Khan Afridi Former Captain, Pakistan Cricket Team
Shahid Afridi endorsed the Vision Pakistan 2030 project, calling it a “ray of hope for the nation”, and said:
“Now is the time for unity. In cricket, we win against the biggest rivals when we play like a team. We need to show the same spirit in real life, especially for the families affected by the floods, who are our biggest responsibility right now.”
*He added that:
“I fully support this vision. Providing youth with access to technology, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities is the foundation for a secure and prosperous future. If the government, private sector, and public join hands, Pakistan can reach new heights of progress in just a few years.
National Cause and Brand Ambassador Announcement
Shakeel Ahmed Mir officially announced Shahid Khan Afridi as the Brand Ambassador for Vision Pakistan 2030, stating:
“Our youth is our greatest strength, comprising 65% of our population under the age of 30. Yet, millions of them remain unemployed despite being educated. The only way forward is to empower them — not just to seek jobs, but to create jobs, run businesses, and compete in the global market.”
He further said:
“Real progress lies in enabling our youth to stand on their own feet by teaching them relevant skills, providing them access to digital tools, and creating an environment where they can build sustainable livelihoods. Vision Pakistan 2030 is designed with this very goal.”
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
