Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised China for its unwavering support to Pakistan, particularly highlighting the country’s exemplary role in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

Speaking at the Agriculture Scholarship Program in Islamabad, Sharif acknowledged the crucial assistance provided by China at every step.

During his address, PM Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan’s agricultural graduates, selected on merit, are set to travel to China for higher education in agriculture.

"Pakistan will greatly benefit from the experiences of students pursuing higher education in China," he stated. He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its generous scholarships to Pakistani students.

Sharif recalled his visit to China's Agricultural University, where he was deeply impressed by the research and innovations. "The research conducted at the university left a lasting impression on me," he said.

"Pakistani students will play an essential role as a bridge between Beijing and Islamabad, fostering stronger ties between the two nations."

Emphasising the significance of youth in Pakistan's development, Sharif stressed that the selection process for the scholarship program was entirely merit-based.

"The agricultural graduates selected for this program represent all provinces of Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan," he added. In recognition of Balochistan's unique challenges, the quota for graduates from the province has been increased by over 10 percent.

Opportunities for youth crucial to Pakistan’s advancement: PM Shehbaz

He also underscored the importance of empowering Pakistan's youth to drive the nation's growth, stressing that providing opportunities for the younger generation is vital for the country’s future development.

"We have to revive our research institutes, populate our agricultural universities, and offer our youth the opportunity to contribute to cultivating the fields," Prime Minister Sharif said.

He added, "I hope you will work tirelessly and bring immense honour to Pakistan."

He acknowledged that the hopes of the nation are pinned on the youth, calling the occasion an important milestone.

"Today, as our young agricultural graduates depart for China—Pakistan's closest friend—to receive advanced training in agriculture, the nation looks to you," he stated. "You must acquire expertise in agriculture and make significant contributions to the sector."

PM Sharif also addressed a common misconception among graduates who, after completing their education, often seek government jobs.

"I say, you should also consider government work, but why not return to your villages and start your own ventures? We will support you with loans at subsidized rates and provide the necessary resources to boost agricultural exports and create value-added products," the Prime Minister urged.

The students, traveling to China to receive training aligned with the challenges of climate change, will benefit from the country’s agricultural innovations and development. Sharif recalled his visit to China, during which he toured an Agricultural University in President Xi Jinping’s hometown.

The advanced facilities and innovations he witnessed inspired him to launch the program. "At that moment, I decided to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China for training, and I am grateful that President Xi Jinping approved this request," he said.

PM Shehbaz stressed that the program would help Pakistani agricultural graduates gain insights into China’s advanced agricultural sector and bring those learnings back to Pakistan to modernize the country’s agriculture.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through capacity-building and merit-based selection of students for the program.

"In the past, government officials aged 45 to 50 participated in such training programs, but today, we are offering these opportunities to our youth," Sharif explained.

"While there is nothing wrong with senior officials benefiting from training, the future of Pakistan belongs to the youth. They will shape the country's agricultural development in the modern era."

The delegation of students represents all provinces of Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. When questioned about the merit-based selection process, the students responded with enthusiastic applause, endorsing the commitment to meritocracy.

PM Shehbaz also noted that the quota for Balochistan has been increased by 10 percent to ensure equitable opportunities for students from the province, continuing a practice he began during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab.

"Pakistan is a shared country for all of us," Sharif concluded. "We must all work together to develop it."