- Pak-KSA relations are everlasting as Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in hard times: Shehbaz
- Imam Dr Al-Budair conveys good wishes of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi leadership to premier
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday described the visit of Masjid-i-Nabawi Imam Dr Salah Mohammad Al-Budair to Pakistan as a matter of pride for the country, saying it will further strengthen the ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Premier Shehbaz Sharif was talking with Masjid-i-Nabawi Imam Dr Salah Mohammad Al-Budair met, who called on him in Lahore here on Sunday.
During the meeting, the premier expressed good wishes for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He said, “There is extreme respect for Khadim Al Haramain Al Sharfain and other Saudi leadership in the hearts of the people of Pakistan.”
The Imam conveyed good wishes of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and other Saudi leadership to the premier. Shehbaz prayed for health and long life of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia relations were everlasting and Saudi Arabia had always stood by Pakistan in hard times. He said, “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is based on many decades and our ties with Saudi Arabia are heading towards new heights.”
The Masjid-i-Nabawi Imam thanked the PM for a very warm hosting in Pakistan. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were two such stars which could not separate from each other. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Salik Hussain, Ulema, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy and other Saudi officials were also present.
Later, a dinner was hosted in the honour of the Imam and his delegation.
‘Govt committed to provide opportunities to youth’
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was committed towards fostering a supportive environment for youth and create opportunities for them.
In a message on International Youth Day being observed on Monday (tomorrow), he said, “International Youth Day is celebrated across the globe to acknowledge the importance of our young population and raise awareness that they hold the key to our future.”
He said, “Young individuals nationwide are catalysts for transformation. This year’s theme, ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,’ highlights the crucial position of youth at a significant juncture where technology intersects with opportunity. This intersection empowers them to turn their aspirations into tangible outcomes, paving the way for a sustainable and equitable future.”
“With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan boasts a youthful demographic that is increasingly connected to the global digital landscape. By harnessing technology for education, entrepreneurship, and social activism, young people can become agents for positive change in their communities,” he added.
The prime minister said, “In 2013, we introduced the Youth Loan and Agricultural Scheme, which is now yielding significant results. To date, we have disbursed approximately 186 billion rupees to over 280,000 young entrepreneurs, generating a multitude of job opportunities nationwide.
Our Youth Business Loan Scheme was restructured during our administration to incorporate Agricultural Loans, and we engaged Microfinance institutions to provide interest-free loans as well.”
“Looking ahead, we aim to broaden the scope of this initiative, with plans to allocate an additional 100 billion rupees during the financial year 2024-25, empowering around 300,000 young entrepreneurs across the country,” he informed.
“Our comprehensive Youth Programme takes a holistic approach, equipping young individuals with essential skills through a Skill Development Programme, providing advanced technology via the Youth Laptop Scheme, and offering financial support through our Youth Loan Schemes. This all-encompassing support framework ensures that our youth have the necessary resources to achieve success and thrive,” he noted.
He said, “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders hence they hold the key to shaping a brighter future for our country. As Pakistan navigates its future, empowering its youth through meaningful opportunities will not only foster individual growth but also contribute to the nation’s broader social and economic development.”
