Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasised that the government was focused on transforming the youth bulge from a challenge into an economic opportunity by providing productive jobs, modern skills training, and vocational training.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV Digital, he outlined a future where Pakistan leverages its “youth bulge,” expands its agricultural sector, and implements vocational training programmes to convert demographic challenges into economic opportunities.

To a question regarding the current economic situation in the country, the prime minister pointed out that back in 2022-23, Pakistan was on the verge of default, but by taking prudent measures, the government managed to stabilise the economy.

“Through extraordinary teamwork — Team Pakistan’s joint efforts, untiring commitment, and sense of purpose to achieve results — I can say without any fear of contradiction that, at this point in time, we are a stable economy,” the prime minister added.

“These devastating floods have damaged our economy in a way that we did not foresee,” Sharif said.

“We are meeting this challenge with joint efforts,” he said, referring to the coordinated rescue operations by the federal government, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial governments, and the military.

Asked how he wanted to see Pakistan decades from now, the prime minister said he desired to see Pakistan as a nation standing tall with remarkable achievements in economic prosperity, peace, and happiness.

“I envision a country with its head held high, achieving great milestones in economic prosperity and progress, and standing as a mighty military power,” he added.