ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to achieve the target of disbursement of Rs30- billion through PM Youth Loan Scheme by the end of June this year.

Chairing an important review meeting regarding Prime Minister Youth Loan Scheme here in Islamabad on Thursday, he said government is taking substantial steps to promote entrepreneurship and employment among the youth by ensuring provision of loans to the youth on soft terms.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to resolve all operational issues regarding PM Youth Loan Scheme on priority basis. On the occasion, a steering committee headed by the Prime Minister was constructed to evaluate the performance and pace of work of the PM Youth Loan Scheme. The Prime Minister also constituted an eleven member committee to resolve all the operational issues relating to the PM Youth Loan Scheme on priority basis.

The meeting was informed that under this scheme, since 2013 Rs73.55-billion loans have been provide to the youth. It was informed that current portal of PM Youth Loan Scheme was formally launched on January 24 this year. Under the scheme people in the age bracket of 18 to 45 years can obtain loan within 45 days. In this scheme, twenty-five percent quota has been reserved for women.