Prime Minister Imran Khan launched on Thursday the ‘Kamyab Jawan’ programme – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s flagship initiative for the welfare of the country’s youth.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister announced that Rs100 billion had been earmarked for loans as part of the programme.

“Of that, Rs25 billion would be set aside for women,” he said. “Interest-free loans up to worth Rs100,000 would be provided to young men and women to set up their businesses.”

Meanwhile, funds ranging between Rs100,000 and Rs500,000 will be provided as concessionary loans, i.e. low interest rates.

He said the programme would cater to the lowest strata of the society in 45 districts across the country.

“All loans will be disbursed purely on merit,” he said, adding that the scheme’s target was to provide loans to at least one million youth.

He congratulated his special assistant on youth affairs, Usman Dar, for launching the scheme.

“The most important aspect of this programme is merit, he said, adding that only those nations prosper which have a system of merit in place.

He said the scheme will also focus on skill development.

“At least Rs10 billion will be spent on providing skills. We will help with placements and apprenticeship to 25,000 people,” he said, adding that smart laboratories will be set up for distance learning, and at least 200 teachers will be sent abroad for training.

The programme will also arrange internships through which 25,000 young people will be connected with industries, the premier said.

The prime minister also announced the creation of a National Youth Development Foundation as a networking group for youngsters across the country so they could coordinate regarding employment opportunities and find out from each other regarding job openings.

He said he will personally monitor the programme and ensure that minorities as well as those with special abilities were with provided equal opportunities.

PM Imran said 500 labs for skill-based learning will be established in seminaries.

“For the first time in Pakistan the government has decided to treat the students of madrassas as its own… for this purpose we are bringing reforms to inculcate them with modern education along with the religious.”

The premier revealed the government’s two other upcoming projects as well: Green Youth Movement that envisions planting of 10 billion trees, and Startup Pakistan that will provide assistance to young entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses.

“I want to assure you all that this programme will bring out the best in youth, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has fulfilled its promise of empowering them,” Dar said in his address.

Briefing the media about the plan in the federal capital earlier in the day, the special assistant said the programme was focused on ensuring employment opportunities to the youth.

No amount of people’s tax is incurred on the programme as it is supported by UN Development Programme, he added.

A similar scheme was launched by former PM Nawaz Sharif in 2013, aiming to provide loans to the youth.