KARACHI, Nov 29: The Sindh government has sought foreign assistance for development of youth in the province to engage them in healthy activities.In a letter to his counterpart in Islamabad, Sindh’s youth affairs secretary Shoaib Siddiqui said that budgetary support for youth programme was not compatible with the demand, and suggested that the Economic Affairs division be consulted for exploring possibilities of foreign assistance in this sector for promoting a moderate and enlightened society.

Mr Shoaib told Dawn that the Sindh government has allocated a meager sum of Rs11 million for youth affairs in the budget, which is insufficient.

The department has embarked upon an ambitious programme to set up youth development centres in the province. It has drawn a programme for exchange of youths’ visits. It needs funds to award scholarships to deserving youth for achieving higher education and skills in various fields.

The Sindh government has launched business support initiatives for youth to train them in various skills and help them set up their own businesses. This is part of the ambitious Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme.

The department has initiated interaction with youth associations in the private sector to help them launch healthy and nation-building projects for youth in their areas.