The “National Adolescent and Youth Policy Consultation Session” under the Prime Minister’s Youth Development Program convened today at the Chinese Teacher’s Memorial Auditorium, located in the University of Karachi, emphasizing the vital role of young Pakistanis in the nation’s progress. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mussarat Jahan Yousuf delivered a compelling address, emphasizing that over 60% of its population comprises youth, representing a powerful catalyst for national transformation. Dr. Yousuf stressed the crucial shift of societal focus from criticizing youth to cultivating opportunities for their growth and development. She hailed the Prime Minister’s Youth Program as a commendable initiative that is deserving of widespread engagement from young individuals across the country.

The University of Karachi Registrar Professor Dr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Sindh Coordinator for the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Fahad Shafiq, UNICEF representative Prem Bahadur Chand, Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik, Project Director of the Prime Minister’s Youth Development Program Dr. Syed Waqar Hussain Shah, and Chairman of the Department of Health Physical Education and Sports Sciences Professor Dr. Basit Ansari are some of the high-profile attendees of the session, among other distinguished guests.

Fahad Shafiq, the Sindh Coordinator for the PM’s Youth Program, shared a sincere observation regarding the prevalent sense of youth disillusionment in Sindh in contrast to other provinces. However, he expressed a resolute commitment to actively engage with young people in cities throughout Sindh through targeted focus group discussions. This grassroot approach, guided by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s, aims to directly incorporate the concerns and aspirations of the youth into the formulation of national policies, ultimately paving the way for enhanced and more relevant opportunities. Mr. Shafiq also addressed historical concerns about the believed prioritization of Punjab’s youth under the program, assuring those in attendance that ample opportunities will now be actively extended to the youth of Sindh.

Prem Bahadur Chand from UNICEF stated a powerful vision of young people as the primary drivers of change, the innovators of tomorrow, the very future of Pakistan, and the essential guardians of a peaceful and sustainable global landscape. He highlighted Pakistan’s demographic strength, with a significant majority of its population being youth, representing the nation’s most valuable asset capable of realizing a brighter national destiny.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik, the Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, provided a comprehensive overview of the objectives and goals of the National Adolescent and Youth Policy. He emphasized that the opinions of the individuals for whom the policy is being developed are essential for the success of any policy. He underscored that the day’s youth consultation session and subsequent focus group discussion were specifically designed to achieve this vital participatory element. Dr. Malik also warmly acknowledged Sindh’s, and particularly Karachi’s, welcomes all with open heart.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik also stated that the number of business loans provided last year was 80 billion, and it is expected to increase to 100 billion this year and 300 billion in the following year. He said that the current government has taken important steps to empower the youth. He emphasized the current administration’s proactive measures to equip young Pakistanis with the crucial skills, quality education, and meaningful economic opportunities necessary to thrive in the contemporary global landscape.

Following the ceremony, a focus group discussion was conducted, during which the Prime Minister Youth Program members were informed of the issues and opinions of the young students.