200,000 women apply for loan scheme

Islamabad: Around 200­,000 women have applied for the Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan programme, a loan initiative, which has a 25 percent quota for women.

The programme meant for young entrepreneurs aged between 21 and 45 years is designed to provide subsidized financing through the National Bank of Pakistan, Bank of Punjab and Bank of Khyber under the guidance and supervision of the State Bank of Pakistan. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar reviewed the progress of the programme during a meeting here.

He said around one million applications for the youth entrepreneurship scheme had registered so far showing its success.

Dar said the disbursement of loans to youths under Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan Programme would continue until June next year. He said the youths were the most powerful force for transforming society. The special assistant said youths could lead the way to sustainable human development if they're provided with a conducive environment.

He said 60 percent of the population consisted of youths, so it was the government's top priority to make them economically independent for the progress of the country.