Pakistan is one of the world’s biggest youth force countries, with almost 70 per cent of its population in the youth age bracket. Being the most populated province in the country, Punjab bears the responsibility for taking the lead in tackling the youth’s problems. As a youth, I feel we are surrounded by the shadow of hopelessness cast by minimal chances of development and stability as perceived by the political and economic scenario. Here, stability is meant in financial and long-term standing.
Youth need resources to thrive and to eradicate the disappointment and insecurity of the future. Due to the economic turmoil caused by questionable decisions made in the PTI era, our markets still struggle to generate sufficient capital and jobs to facilitate the youth. The system fails to fulfil the employment demands, leaving many behind. The youth expect the necessary investment to help them stand. Will the youth forever remain as helpless as today, surrounded by miseries?
The day CM Maryam Nawaz was elected, her determination to serve the people of Punjab shone through her inaugural address. After a year of her in power, the public can witness many practical projects for all social classes and departments. The Air Ambulance Service, Free Medicine Delivery Project, Honhaar Scholarship, e-bikes for students, School Nutrition Programme, revamping of infrastructure, construction of new roads, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, laptops for students, Pink Games, women safety initiatives, establishment of cancer and cardiac hospitals, IT City, climate sustainability initiatives, Maryam ki Dastak are just a few of many. All these initiatives are in action and their ground reality and benefits are now visible in Punjab.
These projects are not just a projection of the government but are producing hundreds of opportunities for youth and professionals, enabling them to serve the nation and make themselves financially stable. Every new initiative creates many jobs for the freshers and experts, a chance for the businesses to avail tenders and engage the youth productively. The facilitation of a single youngster from a family is a step taken to bring the whole family out of crisis and towards stability. CM Maryam Nawaz’s vision and measures for a better Punjab have created many opportunities like this.
One of the key issues young graduates face in the market is experience, and no firm offers paid internships for freshers. Given this major hurdle in the youth’s career development, CM directed different government departments to make space for paid internships – paving the way for the first-ever batch of climate programme internships with a minimum stipend of Rs60,000. Many other departments, like livestock and health, are now introducing paid internships. This is a wonderful step in equipping youth with the hands-on experience required to compete in the job market.
To financially support the youth, CM Maryam brought forth two prestigious and large finance schemes, one of which being the ‘Asaan Karobar Card’. The scheme offers interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million through a digital SME card. It supports small entrepreneurs in expanding and sustaining their businesses, ensuring structured growth through digital channels (e.g. mobile applications, point of sale [POS], etc.) and transparent utilisation of funds. One can easily apply online with the provided instructions.
The ‘Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme’ is the second and largest financial programme. The Punjab Karobar Finance Scheme, approved in the 22nd Provincial Cabinet Meeting on 14 January 2025, is the first-of-its-kind multi-million-rupee scheme launched by the Government of Punjab. The project provides interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million (Rs3 crore), giving financial assistance to entrepreneurs across various sectors, including agriculture. The scheme aims to drive economic development, boost exports, and create jobs. CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz also announced the provision of free land for this Asaan Karobar Scheme. Moreover, a target was set to establish 100,000 business start-ups in Punjab. She also directed to provide business plans for start-ups across the state. This project is a huge game changer because it is Sharia-compliant being interest-free and no extra burden is placed on the borrower.
These schemes provide more than just a loan. They are a chance to grow, a solution to the plight of the unemployed, a new start for those in financial peril, and an opportunity that every skilled youngster must avail to elevate their financial position and the country’s economy. A single successful business established by utilising government-sponsored funds can do a lot for the borrower and others becoming parties to his venture, either in the form of customers, contractors, or employees. A single loan borrower can trigger a positive change in society by becoming a source of employment for other people. This is a well-appreciated step by the Government of Punjab to improve the employment indicators. All that is required is a feasible idea, filling out the form, and waiting for your turn to be obliged. With such ease, what are you waiting for?
The writer is a political activist dedicated to advancing SDG implementation, with a strategic focus on nutrition governance and food safety reforms.
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