Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan inaugurated the newly renovated sports arena. The event began with a warm welcome from Secretary Press club Nayyer Ali, who expressed gratitude to Chairman Khan for his role in the renovation of the Sports Arena, providing a modern facility for journalists and media professionals. Vice president of the National press club also commended Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Khan for his continued efforts in the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which has been a cornerstone of youth development in the country.
Chairman Rana used the occasion to recognize the critical role played by the Pakistani media, particularly during moments of national crisis such as “Bunyan-ul-Marsos.” He praised journalists for their resilience in countering misinformation and emphasized the importance of media in exposing lies spread by adversaries. He pointed out how Pakistan's institutions (whether Civil Administration or Military Establishment) stood united, with the media playing a key role in ensuring that truth prevailed. Chairman Khan stressed that in times when Pakistan needs truthful media more than ever, it is the responsible and patriotic media that continues to stand firm, committed to facts.
He also highlighted the growing international recognition of Pakistan, with countries like China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia extending their support. Chairman Khan acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bold stance at the United Nations, where he exposed India’s involvement in regional terrorism, leading to global support shifting towards Pakistan. He once again expressed his appreciation for the media’s role in promoting Pakistan’s true image to the world and countering negative propaganda.
Chairman Khan went on to emphasize the four core pillars of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP): Education, Environment, Employment, and Engagement. These pillars form the foundation of the PMYP’s initiatives, which aim to empower youth through access to scholarships, training, environmental projects, and job opportunities. He explained that the Digital Youth Hub (DYH) provides a one-stop platform for youth to access volunteer programs, international scholarships, online training, and other opportunities designed to foster personal and professional growth.
Chairman Khan outlined several key achievements of the PMYP, including the launch of the PM Digital Youth Hub (DYH) in March 2025, which has already registered over 600,000 users. He highlighted the platform’s partnership with more than 3,000 national and international companies and the listing of over 150,000 job opportunities. Additionally, more than 27,000 scholarships, including those for study abroad, are available, alongside a wide range of online training courses for youth.
The PM Business and Agricultural Youth Scheme has also moved into its next phase, disbursing Rs. 200 billion to support youth-led projects. Chairman Khan further spoke about the National Innovation Award, which provides young people with a platform to showcase their innovative ideas. Under his tenure as Youth Minister in Punjab, he introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Youth Policy, which has led to several initiatives, including scholarships, laptops, loans, and technical and vocational training, all designed to equip youth with the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.
In addition to these achievements, Chairman Khan revealed that the PMYP is working on Pakistan’s first-ever National Adolescent and Youth Policy. This policy, which will focus on youth aged 10 to 29, has been developed based on feedback from over 200,000 young people, making it one of the largest data collection efforts on youth aspirations and challenges globally.
Chairman Khan also announced the relaunch of the PM Youth Laptop Scheme on October 13, 2025. As part of the scheme, 100,000 laptops will be distributed on merit, and an additional 1,500 laptops will be available under an interest-free loan scheme, repayable over four years. He highlighted that, thanks to initiatives like this, Pakistan now ranks fourth globally in e-commerce and freelancing.
In addition to the laptop scheme, Chairman Khan introduced the Prospective Overseas Worker Loan Scheme, which offers interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1 million to individuals facing financial challenges in securing overseas employment. The loan is payable over five years, further helping youth overcome financial barriers to international opportunities.
Chairman Khan concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan’s future, expressing optimism about the country’s progress. He emphasized that the government’s initiatives are designed to benefit every Pakistani, ensuring that all youth have access to the tools, education, and opportunities they need to succeed.
In his closing remarks Chairman Khan said, "Inshallah, we will make Pakistan stronger and more prosperous, all evil eyes that were once on Pakistan have now faded away. We will always stand by our country. Pakistan Zindabad!"