TRULY Pakistan’s greatest strength does not only lie beneath its soil or within its natural resources—it lies in the energy, talent and aspirations of its young people also. With nearly 70 percent of the country’s population below the age of 30, Pakistan possesses one of the world’s largest youth populations. This demographic reality presents an extraordinary opportunity, provided the state invests wisely in education, skills, entrepreneurship and employment. The Federal Budget for FY 2026–27 demonstrates that the government, under Premier Shehbaz Sharif, has recognized this opportunity and placed youth empowerment at the heart of its national development agenda. The allocation of PKR 40.58 billion for (PMYP), complemented by an additional PKR 21 billion through various ministries for youth-focused initiatives, represents the largest federal investment in youth development in Pakistan’s history. It reflects a strategic shift from providing temporary assistance to creating long-term economic opportunities that can transform Pakistan’s future. Premier’s vision of converting young Pakistanis from job seekers into job creators is both timely and forward-looking. Across the world, economic growth is increasingly being driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and technology rather than conventional public-sector employment. Pakistan’s youth possess enormous........

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