Prime Minister’s Advisor on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has announced that more than 10,000 students in Balochistan will receive laptops under the Prime Minister’s Youth Scheme in the coming months.
Speaking at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, he said the federal government is committed to addressing the longstanding grievances of Balochistan and ensuring equal opportunities for its youth. “The government gives the highest importance to providing education, skills, and job opportunities to the youth of Balochistan,” he stated.
Rana Mashhood said the global economy has shifted from petroleum to information technology, and Pakistan must now prioritize IT-based growth. He added that the government aims to expand Pakistan’s IT sector from USD 2.5 billion to USD 25 billion within the next three years, in partnership with the business community.
He noted that despite economic challenges, the government had prevented Pakistan from defaulting, and said new international opportunities have emerged following Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos. Pakistan, he emphasized, is among the few countries with a national AI policy.
“The world is changing fast, and our youth are transforming from job seekers into job creators,” he said.
Rana Mashhood said Balochistan’s natural resources—including minerals, livestock, and olives—offer immense economic potential. He added that an e-sports policy and federation is near completion and highlighted the participation of more than 30,000 boys and girls from Balochistan in Talent Hunt cricket trials.
He distributed cheques in Quetta under the Prime Minister’s Interest-Free Loan Program and said youth are also being provided business and agriculture loans. However, he noted that only 11% of loans last year went to women, despite a 25% allocation for female entrepreneurs.
To further support skill development and entrepreneurship, the advisor announced the establishment of a facilitation center at the Quetta Chamber. He also shared that the government plans to send 30,000 trained youth from Balochistan abroad for employment through NAVTTC and BTEVTA programs within the next six months.
“We will work together with the Chamber of Commerce to eliminate the sense of deprivation in Balochistan,” he affirmed.
