**Pakistan Hosts National Youth Policy Convention to Foster Youth Empowerment and National Development**
A significant convention on the National Adolescent & Youth Policy (NAYP) was convened at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), bringing together policymakers, educators, students, and university staff to collaboratively shape the future of Pakistan’s youth. The event highlighted key government initiatives, the participatory development of the youth policy, and strategies to leverage youth potential for national progress.
The gathering was inaugurated with a warm welcome from Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, who expressed the university’s commitment to youth development. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people through skill-building and active engagement, noting that PMAS-AAUR has been actively involved in fostering youth through various extracurricular societies and specialized courses. The university pledged its full support to national youth initiatives, urging young individuals to harness their skills for the country’s benefit.
The chief guest, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training, underscored the significance of the NAYP as a critical document representing 70% of Pakistan’s population. She emphasized the importance of youth empowerment as a means to counter internal threats and highlighted education combined with skill development as essential to this effort. Ms. Qamar called for fostering a culture of mutual respect and positive behavior among youth to prevent exploitation and manipulation by adversaries.
Syeda Amnah Batool, Focal Person for the Pakistan Youth Parliament (PMYP), provided insights into the inclusive and participatory process behind the policy’s formulation. She outlined the extensive nationwide Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted to ensure gender equality and broad representation. She also announced the launch of the Digital Youth Hub (DYH), a digital platform designed to guide youth based on their skills and educational backgrounds, aiming to facilitate their integration into productive sectors.
Further emphasizing government support, Dr. Muhammad Ali, Deputy Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted several youth-centric initiatives, including interest-free business loans, laptop distribution schemes, and the Cricket Talent Hunt program. He urged young people to register on the Digital Youth Hub and described the NAYP as a youth-driven policy that aims to transform aspirations into tangible opportunities, fostering unity and strength among Pakistan’s youth.
The convention concluded with a call to action for young individuals to actively participate in national development, leveraging the opportunities provided by the government and educational institutions. The event reinforced the government’s commitment, alongside academic institutions, to nurture Pakistan’s youth as a vital force for a prosperous future.
