DNA
ISLAMABAD: Afnan Mashal, Coordinator Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), has emphasized the importance of empowering Pakistan’s young generation with meaningful opportunities, leadership skills and greater participation in national development, while stressing that youth platforms should focus on transforming the potential of young Pakistanis into productive and responsible contributions to society.
Speaking at the inaugural and oath-taking ceremony of the Youth Senate Organization of Pakistan (YSOP), Afnan Mashal appreciated the initiative and said structured platforms for youth engagement could play an important role in developing leadership qualities, political awareness and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation. Aiman Jalil Jan, MPA, also highlighted the need to provide youth with constructive avenues to express their ideas and engage with democratic and social issues.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and Industry said that Pakistan’s future depended on how effectively it harnessed the potential of its young population. He stressed the need to equip youth with education, skills, entrepreneurship and leadership capabilities so that they could become an active force in the country’s economic and social development.
Mian Mohammad Atiq, former Senator, emphasized the importance of political awareness, democratic values, tolerance and informed debate among young people, saying that the development of politically mature youth was essential for strengthening democratic institutions and preparing future national leadership.
Ambassador Dr. Shahid Amin Khan, Chairman International Human Rights Commission-RFT, underscored the importance of human rights, inclusiveness, tolerance and responsible citizenship in youth development. He said young people should be encouraged to understand both their rights and responsibilities and contribute positively to peace, harmony and social progress.
YSOP Founder Dr. Sheraz Khan said that the organization’s vision was to build a progressive, inclusive and empowered Pakistan by developing skilled, ethical and productive young people. He stressed that empowerment begins with individual competence, character and integrity, while international youth exchange programmes should deliver tangible benefits through knowledge, partnerships and opportunities rather than remaining limited to ceremonial participation and social media visibility.
Distinguished guests, youth leaders and newly inducted office-bearers attended the ceremony and expressed their resolve to support a new generation of informed, skilled, politically mature and responsible youth capable of contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s future.
Those prominent also included ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former President Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Council member Chaudhry Masood, Executive member Zulqurnain Abbasi, former SVP Khalid Chaudhry and other.
