Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday distributed cheques among successful applicants of 'Kamyab Jawan Program' and stated that the government's priority is to facilitate small and medium businesses for job creation.

Speaking at the cheque distribution ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized importance of transparency and merit in cheques distribution among the applicants and stated the people have great hope from this program. He said this has been reflected from the fact that in less than 20 days one million people have submitted application for loan, adding the government would facilitate them in their businesses.

This is encouraging that women have also participated in the program in great numbers and so far one hundred and ninety thousands women have applied for loans and submitted their business plan, he added. He said it is important that women are given maximum opportunities.

The Prime Minister further stated that the government's priority is to facilitate small and medium businesses as these are backbone of the economy and great sources of employment generation. However, he regretted that small and medium businesses were facing difficulties and now the government effort is to facilitate them by removing obstacles. The Prime Minister added that the government's responsibility is to create employment opportunities in the society and small and medium businesses are essential for achieving this purpose. He also said that meritocracy is important for making a society successful and referred to overseas Pakistanis who have excelled in all fields because equal opportunities are available to them.

He said that selection of Kamyab Jawan Program recipients through online system was first achievement and second priority must be to facilitate the small and medium industry through ease of doing business. The Prime Minister also highlighted great potential of tourism and how it could also contribute swiftly for employment opportunities and can earn foreign exchange for the country.

Earlier, Federal Minster for Planning and Special Imitative Asad Umar said that actual development is that wherein most of the people participate. He said that transparency would be hallmark of the program. One million applications were received in les than one month and processing would also be done through use of technology, he said and added that the program would be very helpful for much needed growth trajectory.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar said that Rs 100 billion have been allocated for the first phase of Kamyab Jawan Program.