Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, visited the National Press Club Islamabad where he took part in the Meet the Press programme and inaugurated the newly renovated NPC sports room. He was received by NPC Secretary and Vice President Syed Zafar Hashmi, Senior Joint Secretary Shiraz Gardezi, Governing Body Member Amir Rafiq Butt, Naveed Ahmed Sheikh, Jafar Ali Balti and other members.
NPC leaders thanked Rana Mashhood for his role in the sports room renovation and highlighted practical needs including two air conditioners and a computer lab to serve club members. The chairman assured the delegation that these requests would be considered sympathetically, noting that this was his first visit to the club and expressing hope for continued cooperation between the Youth Programme and media professionals.
Rana Mashhood said online courses under the Youth Programme will be made available to young journalists and their children, reflecting an effort to link media capacity building with broader youth development. He also announced plans for laptop distribution among youth as part of efforts to boost digital inclusion, and cited Pakistan’s growing e-commerce footprint as evidence of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Addressing the gathering, he praised the role of Pakistani journalists during the recent Pakistan-India tensions, saying that timely, fact-based reporting countered false narratives spread elsewhere and helped strengthen Pakistan’s international position. He noted that the warm receptions given to the Prime Minister and the Army Chief during visits to China and Saudi Arabia demonstrate rising international respect for Pakistan.
Speaking about Youth Programme initiatives, Rana Mashhood highlighted government efforts in health, education, entrepreneurship and sports development. He described domestic leagues such as the Kashmir Premier League and the Pakistan Super League as important platforms to showcase national talent and said the programme has prioritised 23 Olympic-recognised sports to raise standards and pursue international medals. He emphasised that consistent merit-based selection and support will allow Pakistani athletes to compete at the highest level.
Rana Mashhood closed by stressing that strengthening Pakistan is a collective responsibility and that the true aim of the nation will be realised only when the country grows stronger, more united and capable of excellence across all fields. The chairman’s visit underlined a renewed focus on connecting media, youth training and sports as pillars of national progress under the Youth Programme.
