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Youth Internship Program
In an effort to empower the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has introduced two significant initiatives: the Naujawan Programme and the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program. These programs aim to provide young people with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s competitive environment. The launch event took place at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur officially unveiled both initiatives.
The government introduced the Ehsas Naujwan online portal, which allows young individuals across the province to apply for interest-free loans to start their own businesses under the Ehsas Naujawan Program. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and reducing youth unemployment in the region.
Launch of the Naujawan Programme
Chief Minister Gandapur launched the Naujawan Programme with great enthusiasm, emphasizing its role in supporting young entrepreneurs. The Ehsas Naujawan Program is a three-year scheme with a budget of Rs. 3 billion, designed to provide financial assistance to young people who wish to start or expand their businesses. The program is divided into two main components to ensure comprehensive support. The first component, in partnership for the program with the Bank of Khyber, will distribute Rs. 1 billion in interest-free loans to groups of three to five young individuals aged between 18 and 35.
These loans will range from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million, with an eight-year repayment plan that includes a 20-month grace period. This structure allows young entrepreneurs ample time to establish their businesses without the immediate pressure of repayments.
Partnership and Implementation
To ensure the effective implementation of the Naujawan Programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Youth Affairs, Bank of Khyber, and Akhuwat Microfinance. This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of these organizations to provide comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs. The collaboration aims to streamline the loan application and distribution process, making it easier for youth to access the funds they need.
By working together, these institutions can offer tailored financial products and advisory services that address the unique challenges faced by young business owners. This cooperative approach is expected to maximize the impact of the program and ensure that the loans reach the most deserving candidates.

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Financial Support for Small Businesses
The second component of the Ehsas Naujwan Program focuses on providing Rs. 2 billion in loans specifically for small businesses. Partnering with Akhuwat Microfinance Bank, this part of the program offers loans ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000 to individuals aged between 18 and 40. To promote inclusivity and support diverse groups, 15% of the funds are reserved for young women, 2.5% for special persons, 5% for madrassa students, and another 2.5% for minorities. This targeted allocation ensures that various segments of the youth population receive the financial assistance they need to start and grow their businesses. The program operates as a revolving fund, meaning that repaid loans are reinvested to support more young entrepreneurs in the future, thereby creating a sustainable cycle of financial support and business growth.
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Chief Minister Youth Internship Program
Alongside the Naujawan Programme, the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program has been launched to provide practical work experience to young individuals. This program will offer internships to 400 students each year, with each internship lasting three months and providing a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000. Over the three-year period, a total of 1,200 students will benefit from this initiative. To qualify, individuals must be up to 29 years old and have completed at least 16 years of education or hold an equivalent degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission.
Upon completion of their internships, participants will have the opportunity to secure employment in both public and private sectors, gaining valuable skills and enhancing their employability. This program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that youth are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
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Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
During the launch event, Chief Minister Gandapur highlighted the government’s dedication to youth empowerment and economic self-reliance. He stated that these programs support former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of making the nation self-reliant. Initiatives like Ehsaas Naujwan, Ehsaas Hunar, Ehsaas Rozgar, and Ehsaas Apna Ghar are all part of a broader strategy to promote financial independence among the youth.
Gandapur emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing and welfare projects despite financial challenges. He encouraged young people to present innovative ideas and assured them that the government is ready to support deserving individuals without any discrimination. The focus is on empowering youth with entrepreneurial opportunities rather than offering only basic jobs, fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency that will drive the province’s economic growth.
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Conclusion
The introduction of the Naujawan Programme and the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur marks a significant milestone in the empowerment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s youth. By providing interest-free loans and valuable internship opportunities, the government is creating pathways for young individuals to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the economy. These initiatives not only support the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth but also ensure that they gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in their chosen fields. As the Ehsas Naujawan Program and the Youth Internship Program take effect, they promise to transform the lives of many young people in the province, fostering a generation of skilled, self-reliant, and innovative leaders who will drive the region’s growth and prosperity.