Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah Naqvi, focal person for the PM Youth Program and former deputy mayor of Islamabad, addressed a special ceremony marking Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday, former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s birthday and Christmas, underlining that empowering youth is a top government priority.
Naqvi said the PM Youth Program represents the largest investment in Pakistan’s young generation, with a substantial budgetary allocation of Rs175 billion this year to expand opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and employment. He highlighted interest-free loan support ranging from 5 lakh to 75 lakh rupees to help youth start businesses and become financially independent.
The laptop scheme, Naqvi noted, is being implemented through the Higher Education Commission on a strict merit basis and does not carry any political branding or individual names. He emphasized that a single laptop has enabled thousands of young people to support their families, while digital access and AI programs are creating new pathways for self-reliance.
Skill development programs and international placement initiatives have already allowed lakhs of young Pakistanis to secure employment abroad, according to Naqvi, who described these efforts as key components of the PM Youth Program’s strategy to build a stronger foundation for the country’s future.
Speaking on national unity and governance, Naqvi said Quaid-e-Azam’s message of unity, faith and discipline remains central to the program’s goals. He praised the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for steering Pakistan toward stability and development, and credited Maryam Nawaz Sharif with strengthening governance and the rule of law in Punjab.
Naqvi extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community, calling for peace, love and happiness, and urged an inclusive approach that brings all communities together as the surest guarantee of a strong Pakistan. He also condemned politics rooted in hatred and discourtesy, saying such tendencies must be rejected to protect social cohesion.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure investments, Naqvi said development projects worth billions of rupees are underway in Islamabad and other regions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to progress. He reiterated continued support for Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision and affirmed that the service-oriented work will go on under the PM Youth Program.
