• Pakistan to receive $1 billion IMF loan, says PM Shehbaz.
• PM vows to cut expenses, invest in youth training.
• Stability achieved, hopes IMF programme will be the last.
  

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that nations do not progress through International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes, emphasising that the stability that Pakistan requires has already been achieved.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Prime Minister Digital Youth Hub, he reiterated that the $1 billion loan from the IMF is not Pakistan’s earned income but borrowed funds.

He expressed hope that this would be the country’s last IMF programme in history. “We must transform this debt-ridden existence into a life of dignity and honour through skill and hard work,” the premier said.

PM Shehbaz further pledged to reduce government expenditures while making substantial investments in training the younger generation, asserting that “we will dedicate billions and even trillions for their future.”

The prime minister said that during his time as chief minister of Punjab, he disbursed 400,000 laptops among the students who were high achievers in their schools and colleges. “This was the vision for which he worked hard,” he remarked.

The prime minister emphasised that the youth of Pakistan was a challenge as well as a great opportunity. 

“If we provide training of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) -led modern technology, they can contribute a lot for the development and prosperity of Pakistan,” he said.

Chairman Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan on the occasion said that the government was opening up new opportunities to empower youth of the country.

He said through PM Digital Hub, the youth would take benefit in various sectors including sports, tourism, sports, IT, green economy and others.

United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Officer In-charge Sharmeela Rasool said this was a platform of opportunity and hope. She said this programme was aimed at making the youth stronger and a productive people of the country.

UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya said the Digital Youth Hub was prepared to make youth capable of exploring their capabilities. This is the start of a journey of development and prosperity for Pakistan, he added.