I’ll make every effort to send youth to Saudi Arabia as it needs thousands of skilled, semi-skilled workers: Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz addressing inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 in Islamabad on October 30. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Saudi Arabia requires thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers, and he would make every effort to send Pakistani youth there to seize new employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 in Islamabad on Thursday, the premier said that during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he was briefed on the kingdom’s progress in artificial intelligence and modern technology systems.
“I told them that we don’t have oil reserves and cannot afford such expenses,” Shehbaz recalled. “They replied that all these facilities will be provided free of cost to millions of Pakistanis and students.” He said Pakistani and Saudi officials have already held discussions on the matter and expressed optimism that “good news” would soon follow.
The prime minister thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and praised his Vision 2030, which includes major projects such as a global exposition 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 labourers, highly trained and skilled professionals for these projects, and I will make every possible effort to send thousands of Pakistani youth there so they can make the country proud.”
100,000 laptops to be distributed
Sharif announced that under this year’s scheme, 100,000 laptops would be distributed nationwide purely on merit. “Since 2011, Rs40 to Rs50 billion have been spent on this programme,” he said. “But for the education, skills, and empowerment of our youth, we would gladly spend Rs500 billion if needed.”
He explained that the laptop distribution programme, first launched in 2011, faced 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 age of modern technology and artificial intelligence,” the prime minister said. “God willing, we will soon equip our children with these tools so Pakistan can become self-reliant and their future remains bright.”
“I promise that I will dedicate my position and my life to serving the students and investing in their future,” he concluded.
