I will try my best to send youth to Saudi Arabia as it needs thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers: Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Archive
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Saudi Arabia needs thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers, and that he would do everything possible to send young Pakistanis there to take advantage of new employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Program 2025 in Islamabad on Thursday, the Prime Minister said that during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he was briefed about the kingdom’s progress in artificial intelligence and modern technology systems.
“I told them that we have no oil reserves and we cannot afford such expenses,” Shehbaz recalled. “They replied that all these facilities will be provided free of charge to millions of Pakistanis and students.” He said Pakistani and Saudi officials have already held talks on the matter and expressed optimism that “good news” would come soon.
The prime minister thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and praised his Vision 2030, which includes major projects such as a global exhibition in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 is truly commendable,” Shehbaz said. “Saudi Arabia will need thousands of workers, highly trained and qualified professionals for these projects, and I will make every effort to send thousands of young Pakistanis there so that they can make the country proud.”
100,000 laptops will be distributed
Sharif announced that under this year’s plan, 100,000 laptops would be distributed across the country simply on merit. “Since 2011, 40 to 50 billion rupees have been spent on this programme,” he said. “If it were not for the education, skills and empowerment of our youth, we would be happy to spend Rs 500 billion if necessary.”
He explained that the laptop distribution program, first launched in 2011, suffered delays this year due to controversy over a logo that read “Shehbaz Pakistan.” “It was seen as self-promotion,” he said. “I ordered Rana Mashhood and his team to remove it, which caused the delay.”
He added that technology has advanced beyond laptops. “This is the era of modern technology and artificial intelligence,” the prime minister said. “God willing, we will soon equip our children with these tools so that Pakistan can become self-reliant and its future remains bright.”
“I promise that I will dedicate my position and my life to serving students and investing in their future,” he concluded.
