Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Calls on Pakistani Youth to Drive Economic Progress Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship
By: Czechangez Khan Jadoon
Islamabad :At the Pakistan Youth Development Dialogue 2025, Federal Minister for Investment and Chairman of the Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, urged Pakistan’s youth to lead the country’s economic transformation by embracing innovation, developing market-relevant skills, and adopting entrepreneurial mindsets. Addressing an audience of young participants, Sheikh emphasized that youth are Pakistan’s most valuable asset and play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
The minister commended the event’s organizers and praised the active engagement of the youth, noting their robust participation as a positive signal for the country’s development. “Unlike most intellectual forums where few actively engage, I was delighted to see many youngsters voicing their thoughts here,” he said, adding that such a spirit of participation was essential for Pakistan’s progress.
Drawing from his international experiences, Sheikh highlighted youth engagement models from countries like China, where young people are systematically included in policy discussions alongside elders and decision-makers. He advocated for adopting similar frameworks in Pakistan to nurture leadership and trust in the upcoming generation.
Sheikh also addressed the changing dynamics of the global job market, emphasizing that skill-based education, especially in areas like information technology, is becoming more valuable than traditional degrees. Citing the example of FAST National University—where he has served on the Board of Governors for decades—he noted that its graduates have succeeded in top global companies like Microsoft. He mentioned his role in establishing a FAST campus in Chiniot, aiming to make high-quality IT education accessible outside major urban centers.
Touching on employment trends, the minister encouraged young Pakistanis to seek out entrepreneurship instead of relying on government jobs. He stressed the potential of low-investment business models such as indenting, brokerage, and commission-based trade, drawing from his own experience as a former president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Sheikh underscored how today’s youth have unprecedented opportunities through digital technology, online platforms, and the global marketplace. He applauded the government’s initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Scheme, particularly its removal of collateral for loans up to 1.5 million rupees, but suggested further easing of access to such financing.
On a broader economic front, Sheikh noted that South Asia is emerging as a global growth center and that Pakistan, with its dynamic youth population, is poised to benefit from increased investor interest, especially from the Middle East. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a youth-friendly economic environment and attracting international investment in key sectors such as minerals and technology.
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh encouraged young Pakistanis to remain optimistic, build practical skills, and take on leadership roles across sectors. He reminded them that the nation’s future will be shaped by those who are willing to innovate and lead, assuring that real opportunities await those who are prepared. The event concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to speakers, leaving attendees energized and inspired to meet future challenges.
