**Islamabad Expands Scouts Movement to 900,000 Youth, Celebrates World Scouts Scarf Day**
The Islamabad Boy Scouts Association is set to open doors to scouting activities for up to 900,000 schoolchildren, significantly broadening the platform for youth to engage in outdoor education and personal development. This announcement was made during a special ceremony organized by the Private Schools Network in celebration of World Scouts Scarf Day.
Speaking as chief guest at the event, Provincial Commissioner Tariq Aleem Gill called the scouts movement the world’s largest platform where young people learn skills through outdoor adventures. He commended Dr. Muhammad Afzal Babar, Divisional Commissioner and President of the Private Schools Network, and his entire team for effectively bringing together students and teachers to mark the occasion.
In his welcome address, Dr. Muhammad Afzal Babar—who also serves as the founding president of the Private Schools Network and Divisional Commissioner of the Islamabad Boy Scouts Association—emphasized that promoting positive activities among the youth is the only real solution to many social issues in society. He highlighted that despite limited resources and numerous challenges in the federal capital, the current provincial commissioner, the council, and their executive body remain committed to ensuring the continuation and expansion of scouting activities.
Dr. Babar also revealed that schedules for training Shine Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Rover Scouts have been finalized, starting this month. As part of these efforts, all unit leaders will undergo basic leadership courses, while scouts will participate in badge training programs designed to enhance their personal and team-building skills.
Senior scout leaders, including former Secretary and Director of Training at the National Headquarters, Zahid Mehmood, briefed attendees on the significance of World Scouts Scarf Day. The event saw participation from key figures such as Haji Abdul Nadeem Mughal (Central Vice President, Private Schools Network), Maqbool Hussain Dar (General Secretary), zonal presidents, secretaries, local district commissioners, and school principals, along with teachers and students from various private schools.
At the close of the ceremony, Provincial Commissioner Tariq Aleem Gill presented scouts scarves to all participants and administered the scouts’ oath, reinforcing the spirit of service and community leadership at the core of the movement.
