PM Shehbaz Sharif resolves to steer country out of challenges

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday launched PM’s Youth Business and Agri-loans scheme which would provide opportunities to the youth to earn their livelihood through different business and agriculture initiatives.

Addressing the launching ceremony, the prime minister said that Pakistan was passing through difficult times and resolved that he would sacrifice all his political career and life for the sake of the country.

“I have served thrice as a chief minister of Punjab and now serving as an incumbent prime minister of the country. What legacy we will leave behind if these issues are not being addressed? It is clear that Pakistan is facing huge challenges, and if we have taken responsibility, we will make our last-ditch efforts to steer the country out of the difficulties,” he stressed.

The prime minister said it was their collective responsibility as Pakistanis, politicians and the Muslims to respond to the difficult situation, and he would not even desist from sacrificing his life for the country.

He said that in this path, problems would spring up, but they would have to bear the pains. "The people at the helms of affairs, politicians and rich have to set an example, as it was unfair to burden the poor with price hike and let the rich and elite to enjoy on the country’s loans," he added.

Under the programme, youth would be extended loans upto Rs7.5 million on easy installments and soft interest rates. Upto Rs500,000 loan amount would be interest-free.

The prime minister, expressing his optimism, said that youth had the potential and talent and together, they would steer Pakistan out of the current issues. He praised them as ‘the shining stars on the horizon of the country’.

The prime minister said the prime responsibility of addressing the country’s issues rested with the government. "We took reigns of the government under the most difficult times, but despite all these ordeals, their resolve grew stronger to make Pakistan stronger," he added.