Blab Tech
Pakistani Youth Program Chairman Calls for AI-Driven Skill Development at Faisalabad Conference
On June 11 2026, Faisalabad’s industrial heart pulsed with ambition as Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYM), urged the nation’s next generation to harness artificial intelligence.
The Future Youth Leaders Conference 2026, organized by Volunteer Force Pakistan, brought together students, educators and tech entrepreneurs in a forum dedicated to equipping young people with modern technology, AI and digital innovation skills. Khan’s remarks underscored the need for merit‑based opportunities and leadership training, stressing that empowering youth through technology is "imperative to transform Pakistan into a globally competitive nation".
Khan’s call came at a time when the PMYM, launched in 2013 by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been a key vehicle for youth development. The programme ran from 2019 to 2022, offering government‑subsidised business loans of up to 25 million rupees and supporting scholarships, talent hunts and a National Youth Council. After the State Bank of Pakistan paused disbursements in July 2022, the Shehbaz Sharif administration revived the programme at the end of that year.
His emphasis on technology aligns with broader national efforts. UNICEF’s 2023 report on empowering adolescents in Pakistan notes that inclusive policies, innovative solutions and multi‑stakeholder collaboration are essential for the country to recover from the COVID‑19 pandemic and accelerate growth. The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), detailed in its 2025 annual report, partners with 31 universities and offers scholarships, internships and startup support, further illustrating the government’s commitment to youth skill development.
Digital innovation and artificial intelligence are increasingly central to Pakistan’s economic strategy. While the article does not provide specific data on AI adoption, the country’s tech ecosystem has grown steadily, with a rising number of startups and a demand for data‑science talent. Khan’s call for AI training reflects this trend and signals a shift toward more advanced, technology‑driven employment pathways.
The conference also highlighted the role of merit‑based opportunities. By encouraging youth to pursue education and training in high‑growth sectors, the PMYM aims to reduce unemployment and foster entrepreneurship. The programme’s loan tiers—ranging from 10,000 to 25 million rupees—are designed to support small and medium‑sized enterprises founded by young entrepreneurs.
In addition to the PMYM, other initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme and the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (launched in India in 2024) illustrate a regional trend of using technology and practical experience to bridge the skills gap. Although the Pakistani scheme was discontinued by the Tehreek‑e‑Insaf government, the revival of the PMYM indicates a renewed focus on youth empowerment.
Looking ahead, the PMYM is expected to expand its digital training modules and strengthen partnerships with private sector tech firms. The Future Youth Leaders Conference 2026 serves as a platform for policymakers, educators and industry leaders to coordinate efforts. While the programme’s long‑term impact remains to be seen, the current trajectory suggests a sustained commitment to integrating technology and merit‑based development into Pakistan’s youth policy.
In summary, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan’s address at the Faisalabad conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategy to harness technology and AI for youth empowerment. The PMYM, revived in 2022, continues to offer financial support and skill‑building opportunities, positioning the country to compete more effectively on the global stage. The conference’s outcomes will likely influence upcoming policy adjustments and the scaling of digital training initiatives across the nation.
The Future Youth Leaders Conference 2026, organized by Volunteer Force Pakistan, brought together students, educators and tech entrepreneurs in a forum dedicated to equipping young people with modern technology, AI and digital innovation skills. Khan’s remarks underscored the need for merit‑based opportunities and leadership training, stressing that empowering youth through technology is "imperative to transform Pakistan into a globally competitive nation".
Khan’s call came at a time when the PMYM, launched in 2013 by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been a key vehicle for youth development. The programme ran from 2019 to 2022, offering government‑subsidised business loans of up to 25 million rupees and supporting scholarships, talent hunts and a National Youth Council. After the State Bank of Pakistan paused disbursements in July 2022, the Shehbaz Sharif administration revived the programme at the end of that year.
His emphasis on technology aligns with broader national efforts. UNICEF’s 2023 report on empowering adolescents in Pakistan notes that inclusive policies, innovative solutions and multi‑stakeholder collaboration are essential for the country to recover from the COVID‑19 pandemic and accelerate growth. The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), detailed in its 2025 annual report, partners with 31 universities and offers scholarships, internships and startup support, further illustrating the government’s commitment to youth skill development.
Digital innovation and artificial intelligence are increasingly central to Pakistan’s economic strategy. While the article does not provide specific data on AI adoption, the country’s tech ecosystem has grown steadily, with a rising number of startups and a demand for data‑science talent. Khan’s call for AI training reflects this trend and signals a shift toward more advanced, technology‑driven employment pathways.
The conference also highlighted the role of merit‑based opportunities. By encouraging youth to pursue education and training in high‑growth sectors, the PMYM aims to reduce unemployment and foster entrepreneurship. The programme’s loan tiers—ranging from 10,000 to 25 million rupees—are designed to support small and medium‑sized enterprises founded by young entrepreneurs.
In addition to the PMYM, other initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme and the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (launched in India in 2024) illustrate a regional trend of using technology and practical experience to bridge the skills gap. Although the Pakistani scheme was discontinued by the Tehreek‑e‑Insaf government, the revival of the PMYM indicates a renewed focus on youth empowerment.
Looking ahead, the PMYM is expected to expand its digital training modules and strengthen partnerships with private sector tech firms. The Future Youth Leaders Conference 2026 serves as a platform for policymakers, educators and industry leaders to coordinate efforts. While the programme’s long‑term impact remains to be seen, the current trajectory suggests a sustained commitment to integrating technology and merit‑based development into Pakistan’s youth policy.
In summary, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan’s address at the Faisalabad conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategy to harness technology and AI for youth empowerment. The PMYM, revived in 2022, continues to offer financial support and skill‑building opportunities, positioning the country to compete more effectively on the global stage. The conference’s outcomes will likely influence upcoming policy adjustments and the scaling of digital training initiatives across the nation.
