LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that 60 percent population of Pakistan comprises youth which augurs well for the future of the country.
He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of elected representatives of PML-N, yesterday. He said that Punjab government of Pakistan Muslim League-N took historic and unique steps for the empowerment of youth for ensuring a bright future for the country. He said that provision of resources for the welfare programmes of youth is useful investment.
The chief minister said that PML-N government is implementing the agenda of public service and provision of basic amenities to the masses is in the light of its manifesto. He said that funds are considered a trust of the nation and every penny of public money is being spent honestly only on the projects of progress and prosperity of the masses. He said that Self-Employment Scheme, Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, Daanish Schools, metro bus service, Ashiyana housing scheme and other welfare programmes are a good example of utilization of public money on the progress of the people. He said that a large number of poor people are benefiting from unprecedented welfare programmes of Punjab government.
Shahbaz Sharif said that a big programme of skill development with an aim to impart training to five lakh youth, is also running successfully The chief minister said that the annual amount of Punjab Educational Endowment Fund his being increased from Rs.2 billion to Rs.4 billion and the number of educational scholarships for talented and deserving student is also being increased. He said that talented but less- privileged students of other provinces, AJK, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan have also been included in the programme.
He said that while sit-ins and protest politics last year created hurdles in the process of progress of the country, it also interrupted the welfare programmes for the youth. He said that poverty, ignorance, unemployment and energy shortage will be eliminated from the country and it will be transformed in accordance with the vision of Quaid and Iqbal.
Meanwhile, the chief minister directed Provincial Committee on Anti-Dengue for taking action on war footing in Rawalpindi, Multan to control and eliminate dengue virus. He warned the officer of strict action if any laxity is exhibited in drive against dengue. Shahbaz Sharif asked the Town Emergency Response Committees to work in a coordinated manner and that full attention is paid to treat the dengue patients.