CPC built on merit, enjoys massive public support: Minister

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: The Communist Party of China (CPC) is built on merit and enjoys massive public support, a Pakistani minister said.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib appreciated the CPC system saying it included more than 22 million young party members below 35 years of age.

“It (the CPC) offers much opportunity for youth to get educated and promoted in the political system,” he underlined while addressing a webinar entitled ‘Seeking a brighter future for youth; A shared mission of political parties.’ The webinar was arranged by the International Department of Central Committee of the CPC (IDCPC).

Farrukh Habib highlighted that this merit-based system of the CPC was highly appreciated by Prime Minister Imran Khan on multiple occasions. “He (PM Imran Khan) has the same vision to build a merit-based political system in Pakistan,” the minister mentioned.

Terming China and Pakistan ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partners,’ Farrukh Habib contended that the friendship was based on mutual respect and trust and has definitely set a precedent for the international relations.

“Friendship between China and Pakistan is based on trust and mutual support, and we have been devoted friends through both good and hard times. Our friendship is a pace-setter for amicable relations between world countries,” he noted.

“This year, he emphasized, marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan China diplomatic relations. “The the bilateral relationship should be passed on to the young generation. Youth exchange is a crucial part of bilateral relations. The young people are potential driver for any country’s development,” he stated.

Habib underscored that the slogan of ‘Naya (new) Pakistan’ had political appeal for the middle class of the country to vote for change. “The educated youth who voted for the PTI (Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf) thought they had a glimpse of the light of future. These enthusiastic young people had a genuine belief in the charisma and ability of Imran Khan to build a better Pakistan,” he remarked.

He referred to the state-of-the-art national job portal, set up by the government with smart categorization on the basis of area, trade, expertise, gender and also connected with 100 plus Career Counselling and Job Placement Centers (CC&JPCs) across the country for in-person career counseling.

The minister claimed there had been massive increase in economic activity in the country under Kamyab Jawan (successful youth) Program (KJP) as more than 50,000 employment opportunities for the youth were created in different sectors.

“Pakistan is experiencing a youth bulge, with over 63 percent of the population under age 25. Out of these, 43 million are currently between ages 15-24,” he pointed out. However, this population faced constraints of poor education and skills, he added.

He shared that an amount of Pakistani Rs 28 billion was released for the flagship KJP out of the total Rs 100 billion allocated to provide gainful employment and meaningful engagement to the young people.

Under the KJP, he revealed the business index of 155 districts was prepared aimed to know the trend on districts’ choice of business.

In accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said an amount of Rs 10 billion were allocated for the task force of ‘Skill for All’ to provide 200,000 skill-based scholarships with the aim to bring the youth under digital skill net.

The minister told the participants that Rs 6.5 billion were released for the provision of skill-based scholarships to 100,000 youth. “The next phase of the ‘skill for all’ programme would be launched in near future,” he announced.

He informed that the National Youth Council (NYC) was formed to provide access to the country’s youth to power corridors and engage them in policy making process.

“The government is extending financial and technical assistance to the youth for imparting trainings in high-tech trades and opening their own businesses in different sectors,” he shared with the audience.

About the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it was great opportunity for Pakistan. “CPEC connects us to China which is one of the biggest markets.”

Habib indicated that the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were being developed under the CPEC which would attract investment from across the globe.

“China is a huge market and CPEC route would connect China and Pakistan located at strategic position of world. I am glad to know that IDCPC is scheduled to establish a platform for regional youth to get vocational training. I am looking forward to leading a youth delegation of Pakistan to visit China in the near future,” he hoped.