Why the Ehsaas Naujawan Programme Was Launched: A Vision for Youth Empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Peshawar – The Ehsaas Naujawan Programme, launched by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marks a transformative shift in youth empowerment and economic development. With over 65% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, this initiative recognizes the youth of KP as a powerful force capable of driving national progress.
This program was developed in response to long-standing socio-economic challenges limiting youth potential and economic mobility.
Key Reasons Behind the Launch
1. Rising Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment in KP remains critically high. Many educated young individuals struggle to find quality jobs due to limited market absorption.
✅ Solution: The programme provides interest-free loans and business training to help youth launch their own ventures and create self-employment opportunities.
2. Widespread Financial Exclusion
Traditional banks often reject young applicants due to:
- No credit history
- Lack of collateral
- High interest rates
✅ Solution: By offering collateral-free, interest-free loans, the programme removes these financial barriers, promoting equal access to opportunity.
3. Tapping into Entrepreneurial Potential
Pakistan’s youth are full of ideas but lack support to convert them into successful businesses.
✅ Solution: The Ehsaas Naujawan Programme fosters an entrepreneurship-first mindset by providing funding, mentorship, and access to market resources.
4. Ensuring Regional Equity and Inclusion
Historically, rural and tribal areas in KP have lagged behind in development.
✅ Solution: The programme ensures equitable fund distribution across all districts based on population, allowing youth from remote areas to benefit equally.
5. Contributing to Social and Political Stability
Unemployment often leads youth toward crime, extremism, or migration.
✅ Solution: Productive engagement through entrepreneurship promotes peace, inclusion, and civic responsibility.
6. Empowering Women and Vulnerable Youth
Young women, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized communities face compounded economic barriers.
✅ Solution: Special provisions ensure targeted support, mentorship, and funding access for these groups to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
7. Creating a Skilled, Job-Creating Workforce
The programme goes beyond finance by integrating:
- Business training
- Technical and vocational education
- Access to market linkages
✅ Impact: Youth are not only starting businesses but are prepared to sustain and grow them in competitive markets.
8. Reducing Government Dependency
Too many young people rely solely on government jobs or subsidies.
✅ Solution: This initiative promotes self-sufficiency, innovation, and economic contribution, reducing the dependency burden on the state.
Strategic Vision for the Future
The Ehsaas Naujawan Programme aligns with KP’s broader development goals:
- Reviving the provincial economy
- Bridging urban-rural wealth divides
- Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
- Supporting a transition to a knowledge-based economy
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Lasting Change
The launch of the Ehsaas Naujawan Programme is more than a policy decision—it’s a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future. By tackling unemployment, financial exclusion, and inequality, this initiative delivers hope, empowerment, and purpose to KP’s youth.
With the right tools, funding, and guidance, the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are now poised to lead the province toward inclusive and resilient growth.
🔗 For full details and to apply: ehsaasnaujawan.bok.com.pk