Islamabad : – The Launching Ceremony of the PM Digital Youth Hub (DYH) was held in the presence of distinguished government officials, guests from the IT and employment sectors, ambassadors from different countries, and youth, by Our honorable Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Hub is an initiative under Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). It’s a “One-Stop Shop” platform where anyone can connect to the four key areas of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP): Education, Employment, Engagement, and Environment. What makes this platform unique is that it is AI-driven. The app is available for download on iOS and Android mobile devices via their respective Play Stores and can also be accessed through the website: www.pmyp.gov.com.
Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), expressed that this initiative is the result of the vision and dedicated efforts of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized that the Digital Youth Hub is a portal that allows youth to benefit in areas like jobs, education, scholarships, loans, sports, climate change, eco-environment, internships, volunteer opportunities, IT, arts, culture, and much more. It empowers youth by providing AI-driven recommendations and personalized access to resources, supporting their growth and development. This platform is Pakistan’s first national initiative designed to connect youth with these diverse opportunities.
To help the guests familiarize themselves with the platform, an introductory video was played showcasing how to use and navigate the Digital Youth Hub.
UNICEF’s Officer In-charge, Sharmila Rasool, shared her thoughts, describing this initiative as a ground-breaking moment that everyone had been waiting for. She highlighted that the Digital Youth Hub is a result of the combined efforts of PMYP and UNICEF – Generation Unlimited. She stated, “This hub brings together opportunities and potentials, and it is a great achievement for Pakistan’s youth. Well done, Pakistan, and well done, youth, for making the right investments at the right moment.”
Naweed Shervani, Chairman of the Global Semiconductor Group, also spoke about the importance of enabling and training youth. He noted that the youth of Pakistan is the country’s greatest opportunity, but this can only be realized when youth are empowered, trained, and capable. He stressed that the State, Private, and Public sectors should ensure they put maximum effort into training and enabling the youth. He expressed his belief that the Digital Youth Hub will create opportunities for every young individual to reach their potential, which will ultimately contribute to Pakistan’s growth. He concluded by wishing success to the DYH initiative and offering his full support in making it successful.
Mr. Muhammad Yahya, United Nations Resident Coordinator, shared his thoughts on the HUB’s potential to empower Pakistan’s youth. He mentioned that 64% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, making the youth a driving force for change, innovation, and progress. He emphasized that the Digital Youth Hub marks the beginning of the digital era in Pakistan and is not just a website or app, but a 360-degree ecosystem designed to bridge gaps and open doors for the next generation. He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team for their vision and energy in making this initiative possible.
Lastly, Our honorable Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif shared his insights, recalling his time as the Minister of Punjab when he introduced technology and laptops to youth during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s youth represents both its greatest challenge and greatest opportunity. By providing them with the latest IT, AI, and skill training, the youth can become Pakistan’s most valuable asset. He further emphasized that Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, beauty, and talent. With the right opportunities, training, and empowerment, he is confident that Pakistan can become one of the most developed countries in the world within just a few years. He highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and reiterated that the DYH Hub is the starting point of this journey, providing youth with the direction they need to succeed. He ended his speech by quoting Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam, who said, “Work, work, and work.” Only through hard work will success be achieved.
The Prime Minister’s message was clear: The youth have been given the direction, but now it is up to them to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Digital Youth Hub.