PM Kakar terms youth as Pakistan’s great asset

LAHORE: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday termed the youth of Pakistan as its great asset and stressed that by providing them with the quality education, skill development opportunities and the right platforms, they could enhance their energy and creativity to the country’s economic growth in the modern era.

Addressing the first convocation of the Institute for Art and Culture (IAC), he said that the youth carried the responsibility to lead, innovate and contribute positively towards the economic growth and development of the homeland.

He emphasised upon the students to give back to the community in which they resided because as individuals they had the unique responsibility to contribute towards the betterment of the society, the official news agency reported.

The prime minister said that the students could choose any discipline in education but should be mindful of those who were unfortunate and less privileged and in doing so, they would not only be uplifting others, but enriching their own lives as well.

“In a world characterised by uncertainty and rapid change, education is our greatest weapon,” he said, urging the young people to adapt to them with questions and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of their times.

“It is through education that we foster tolerance and understanding and show commitment to the principles of justice and equality in the society,” he added.

Elaborating his viewpoint, the caretaker prime minister said that the government had taken various initiatives to tap the economic strength and empower the youth.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for instance, he said, “is a game-changing project that holds potential to transform our economy”.

By fostering connectivity and energy infrastructure and trade enhancement, CPEC was facilitating the realisation of Pakistan’s economic gains, he added.

Additionally, the prime minister said, the digital initiative was aimed to bridge the digital divide and to unleash the IT potential in the country.

The initiative was shaping the economic-based economy that could cater to the needs of the global market, he observed.

Prime Minister Kakar advised the students to look at the challenges and opportunities of the future as Pakistan needed their skills and creativity and leadership skills, and to move the economy forward.