Stressing the need to engage the youth of Pakistan in productive and progressive activities, a Pakistani official has said that the planning commission has proposed a new strategy based upon innovation, entrepreneurship and market economy.
“A huge consideration is given to provide skill and employment to youth,” Dr Erfa Iqbal, who is involved in the Prime Minister’s development programme for Southern Punjab and is currently visiting the United States as an Eisenhower fellow, told students at Columbia University in New York.
Speaking on socioeconomic development as an effective counterterrorism strategy, Dr. Iqbal said the demographics of Pakistan show that in next 40 years a large majority of population will be between the ages of 15-64 years. The Government of Pakistan, she said, realises the need to address this challenge of youth demographic profile. “To make this youth a strength rather than a burden, a well conceived strategic plan is required. She stressed it is also keen to develop a business environment which promotes economic growth and encourages foreign investment. Her interaction with the students was facilitated by Dr Hassan Abbas. Dr Iqbal who holds the rank of additional Principal Staff Officer to the Prime Minister, conveyed the resolve of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to make Pakistan an investor friendly country.
To meet this objective, she said the prime minister has placed the Board of Investment under his secretariat to sort out any unforeseen hitch expeditiously before or after business operations. He has also directed other concerned ministries including Commerce, Overseas and Industries and Production to facilitate investors in every possible manner. Dr Rehman, representing APPNA, welcomed the efforts of Pakistan Government for economic revival. He supported the idea of enhancing business linkages between Pakistan and USA. Other participants also showed great interest for long-term commitment to Pakistan’s health care, relief and recovery assistance projects.