Muhammad Usman Dar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs has said that experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat will visit Pakistan this month, which will help in further identification of areas for government’s intervention regarding youth development in the country.
Mr. Dar said this while briefing Mr. Asad Umar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on his participation in the Commonwealth’s Youth Development Index (YDI) Expert Group Meeting held in London (19-20 February 2020). He attended the meeting on the special invitation from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
SAPM said that Pakistan was ranked at position number 89 in the YDI by Commonwealth in 2013, which was dropped to 154 in the year 2017. “The alarming position in regard to youth development reflects lack of vision and policies of the previous governments in Pakistan. Our government’s youth related interventions are highly appreciated and will surely improve the situation on ground”, said Mr. Dar.
Appreciating SAPM for his efforts, Mr. Asad Umar said that his Ministry will extend all possible support to the endeavors made under the umbrella of PM Kamyab Jawan Programme. He said that the Commonwealth experts’ visit to Pakistan will give an opportunity to further streamline measures taken by the government for youth development. He further said that coordination with all relevant Ministries will be ensured for working collectively towards improving YDI in Pakistan through required policy interventions and other necessary steps.
The meeting was also attended by officials of the PM office.
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