Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), addressed students, faculty, and participants at the University of Swat during a consultative session held under the framework of the National Adolescent and Youth Policy. The session brought together the university’s Vice Chancellor, students, representatives from religious seminaries, development sector representatives, and faculty members.
In his address, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized the four key pillars of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) – the "4Es": Education, Engagement, Employment, and Environment. He highlighted the significance of engagement, which provides youth with diverse opportunities to explore their talents in fields such as innovation, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports.
Reflecting on his past tenure as the Education Minister of Punjab when Our Honorable Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was the Chief Minister, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan recalled the introduction of the Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), which provided merit-based scholarships to underprivileged youth. He expressed pride in the fact that more than 4.5 lakh scholarships were distributed through PEEF, significantly changing the lives of many students in Punjab.
Building on the success of PEEF, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan pointed out that Our Honorable Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended this vision to the entire nation by introducing the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), providing similar scholarship opportunities across the country based on merit and talent.
The Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan also endorsed the remarks made by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Swat, stressing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for youth from all backgrounds. He noted that for the first time, students from madrassas were included in such development initiatives. This, he explained, was crucial to prevent cultural and social divisions and ensure that youth from all sectors, regardless of their social or educational background, are given equal opportunities to grow and thrive.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan introduced the Digital Youth Hub (DYH), an initiative under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). He emphasized that the DYH is a “One-Stop Shop” platform where young people can connect to opportunities in education, employment, engagement, and environmental projects. The platform, which is powered by artificial intelligence, personalizes the opportunities shown to each user based on their skills, education, and experience. The DYH is available for download on both iOS and Android devices and can also be accessed through the website: www.pmyp.gov.com.
Looking ahead, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan revealed plans for a groundbreaking education model, one that would be the first of its kind not only in Pakistan but also in Asia. This model, he explained, will provide job opportunities in various fields such as driving, carpentry, electrical work, nursing, accountancy, engineering, IT, sports, and more, ensuring that every young person has access to a career pathway.
Additionally, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan celebrated the inauguration of the PM Sports Talent Hunt, specifically the Nationwide Boxing Trials. Held at the University of Swat, participation from young athletes from Buner, Shangla, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, and Swat. These trials are a joint initiative between the Higher Education Commission and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, aiming to identify talented athletes from rural areas and provide them with opportunities on both national and international platforms.
During his address, Rana Mashhood provided a detailed overview of the PMYP and the government’s ongoing efforts to mainstream youth and nurture their talents. He also announced that the second phase of the Talent Hunt Programme would soon be launched, expanding to include athletics, hockey, boxing, and other sports.
He assured that selected athletes would receive full support, including world-class training and facilities. The top performers would be provided with boxing kits, track suits, accessories, and kit bags to help further hone their skills. These athletes would also have the honor of representing Pakistan on national and international platforms.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large number of male and female athletes, with sports enthusiasts enjoying the exciting boxing matches. The audience praised the enthusiasm and skill of the young boxers, commending the government for its significant initiative.
During the event, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme also shared information about other ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering youth, including the Laptop Scheme, Green Youth Movement, Innovation Awards, and other projects. These initiatives aim to provide young people with opportunities in education, skills development, leadership, and physical and mental health.
Concluding his speech, Rana Mashhood said, “We want every young person in Pakistan to be healthy, educated, self-reliant, and optimistic. This is our mission, and we are fully committed to making this vision a reality.”
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth, ensuring they have the education, skills, and opportunities to succeed in the modern world.
