Punjab launches ‘biggest-ever’ internship program for agriculture graduates

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced the largest agriculture graduate internship program in Pakistan’s history at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Under this initiative, 1,000 agriculture graduates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs60,000.

The Chief Minister distributed appointment letters to the selected graduates, out of 5,000 applicants. Speaking at the event, she expressed her pride that 25% of the selected interns are female.

She stated that the youth are an important bridge between the government and farmers, and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.

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Maryam Nawaz also announced plans for a major Rs400 billion “Kissan Package” set to launch next year for supporting farmers and boosting agricultural production. She called Punjab the “biggest food basket” of Pakistan and stressed the importance of strengthening the agriculture sector.

In her address, Maryam Nawaz said the internship program is proof that the Kissan Package is already being implemented efficiently. She criticized past practices of favoritism in politics and reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and merit in all government initiatives.

According to the Chief Minister, 95% of her cabinet consists of young, hardworking individuals, chosen based on merit rather than political connections. She concluded by affirming that this new internship program is just the beginning of broader reforms in the province.