Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that skilled youth across the province will be provided interest-free loans of up to Rs300,000 under the Parwaz Card initiative, aimed at promoting employment and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Parwaz Card, Raah-e-Rozgar, and the Skill Development Portal, the chief minister said providing relief and opportunities to citizens was the state’s responsibility, adding that empowering youth remained a top priority of her government.
She said the Parwaz Card would ensure transparency in the disbursement of funds, with 50,000 skilled youth set to receive the cards. “No young person will be left behind due to a lack of resources,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of youth development, Maryam Nawaz said a large portion of Punjab’s population consists of young people, and the government is creating pathways for their progress.
Under the Chief Minister Skill Development Programme, she said, 200,000 students have already received vocational training, while 1,000 trainees have been provided employment in the garments sector.
The chief minister added that youth are being equipped with skills alongside employment opportunities, noting that many young people are now earning a respectable livelihood through e-commerce platforms.
She said all provincial resources are being utilised for public welfare, citing initiatives such as mobile police stations that are delivering services at people’s doorsteps.
Maryam Nawaz further said skilled manpower is in demand worldwide, and with proper training, Pakistani youth can compete globally. “Our youth are talented and continue to prove their capabilities on international platforms,” she added.