LAHORE: Vice Chancellor University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir TI, has proposed to the Government of Punjab the establishment of a dedicated "Bank of Entrepreneurship" to promote entrepreneurship, startups, and self-employment among young people.

According to University of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir spoke at an Entrepreneurship Expo organized by See Pakistan at Expo Centre Lahore, advocating for a bank that would provide aspiring entrepreneurs with easy and affordable financing, low markup rates, business guidance, and institutional support. He emphasized that such a bank could enable talented youth to transform innovative ideas into successful and sustainable businesses.

Prof. Dr. Munir outlined that the bank should go beyond conventional lending, suggesting it evaluate business plans through professional experts and adopt a business partnership model alongside financing where appropriate. This approach, he said, could offer entrepreneurs not only capital but also mentorship and growth support.

The Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of transforming young individuals from job seekers into job creators, highlighting entrepreneurship as a means to create employment opportunities, attract investment, and expand economic activity. He urged the Government of Punjab and relevant institutions to consider the proposal seriously and develop it into a formal policy initiative.

He further suggested that the proposed bank collaborate closely with universities, incubation centers, industry, the private sector, and investors. Such partnerships could help turn research-based and innovative ideas from universities into commercially viable businesses.

At the Expo, attended by figures like environmentalist and entrepreneur Owais Rauf, Vice Chancellor University of the Punjab Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, and representatives from various universities and industries, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening entrepreneurial skills, enhancing university-industry linkages, and fostering a robust startup culture in Pakistan.