{
  "id": 663193,
  "title": "Pakistan ‘still far’ from becoming a social welfare state: PM Shehbaz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/pakistan-still-far-from-becoming-a-social-welfare-state-pm-shehbaz-663193",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T12:40:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2022368/pakistan-still-far-from-becoming-a-social-welfare-state-pm-shehbaz"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Wednesday that Pakistan has a long way to go in establishing itself as a social welfare state, which he believes was the original intent behind the country's formation. Speaking at an event in Islamabad to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, the premier inaugurated several initiatives aimed at supporting youth, such as the Power Sector Innovation Programme, the National Youth Employment Policy, and the Skills Ambassador Programme. Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that Daanish schools represent a step towards creating a Pakistan where young people, regardless of their financial background, have equal opportunities for growth. During his time as Punjab chief minister, he established Daanish schools to enhance access to quality education for the less privileged. He pointed out the disparity between a Pakistan that provides elite education for privileged children, enabling them to study in top institutions in the UK and North America, and another Pakistan where millions of children from poor families lack even basic educational opportunities. He emphasized that thousands of Daanish school graduates are now excelling as doctors, engineers, and teachers, embodying the late Quaid-i-Azam's vision for Pakistan. Addressing the Daanish school students present, he urged them to recognize that they constitute the majority of the population and stressed that their lack of essential skills would be a cause for guilt, both in this world and the next. Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that the budget included funding for youth empowerment and development, with 1,000 high-achieving students being sent to China for agriculture education, similar to last year, and that this year, additional scholarships would be provided for IT and AI studies in China. He also unveiled plans for the establishment of Daanish University, Pakistan's premier institution focused on technology education, which would be tuition-free and merit-based. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, affirmed the organization's tireless efforts for youth and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz for his leadership in advancing Pakistan, stating that under his guidance, no obstacle could hinder the country's progress.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan was “still far” from becoming a social welfare state, which he said was the original purpose of the country’s formation. The premier was speaking at an event in Islamabad to mark International Youth Day 2026, observed on August 12. He also inaugurated several initiatives for the youth, including the Power Sector Innovation Programme,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan far from social welfare state, PM Shehbaz says",
    "Youth initiatives launched, including Power Sector Innovation Programme",
    "Daanish schools aim for equal education opportunities for all"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The prime minister's acknowledgement of Pakistan's current shortcomings as a social welfare state shifts focus to youth empowerment initiatives, signalling a change in approach to achieving the country's founding ideals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}