ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar Wednesday said various loans amounting to around Rs eight billion had been approved under first phase of the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme.

He said this during a meeting with Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, said a news release issued by Usman Dar’s office.

Appreciating the continued support of Hafeez Sheikh, the SAPM said the State Bank of Pakistan had issued circular to all banks for their full participation in phase-II of the Kamyab Jawan Programme.

He apprised the Advisor on Finance regarding the interest shown by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to collaborate with Kamyab Jawan Programme in micro financing schemes.

Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said his ministry would ensure all required interventions to facilitate business activities in the country.

He said additional financial resources would be made available for loans schemes of the Kamyab Jawan Programme after signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Finance and the ADB.

The advisor asked the National Bank of Pakistan to facilitate release of more than 5,000 loans approved by the bank at the earliest.