Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, on Monday launched an ambitious new education and career development model, which he described as a future benchmark for youth empowerment across Pakistan and the broader Asian region.
Speaking at a high-level consultative session at the University of Swat, part of the National Adolescent and Youth Policy and the inauguration of the PM Sports Talent Hunt, Rana Mashhood detailed a comprehensive roadmap designed to equip young Pakistanis with practical skills and diverse career pathways. These range from vocational trades like carpentry, electrical work, and driving, to professional training in nursing, IT, engineering, accountancy, and competitive sports.
“This is not just a programme—it’s a mission to transform the future of our youth,” said the Chairman. “We are giving them the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive, regardless of their background.”
He highlighted the upcoming second phase of the Talent Hunt Programme, which will now include sports such as boxing, hockey, and athletics. Selected athletes will be provided with world-class training, equipment, and apparel, including track suits and boxing kits. The aim is to prepare them for representation at both national and international levels.
Rana Mashhood outlined the broader PMYP agenda, citing initiatives like the Laptop Scheme, Innovation Awards, the Green Youth Movement, and projects focused on youth leadership and mental health. He underscored PMYP’s strategic emphasis on the “4Es”—Education, Engagement, Employment, and Environment—while promoting inclusivity as a core value. For the first time, madrassa students are being incorporated into mainstream development initiatives to ensure equal access for all.
A major innovation announced was the launch of the Digital Youth Hub (DYH)—an AI-driven platform that serves as a “one-stop shop” for personalized educational and employment opportunities. Available on Android, iOS, and via the PMYP website, the DYH is expected to significantly streamline access to resources and services for millions of young Pakistanis.
Reflecting on his previous tenure as Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Mashhood referenced the Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), which provided over 450,000 scholarships to underprivileged students. He celebrated its nationwide expansion under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, calling it a “game changer” in equitable access to education.
Echoing the sentiments of the University of Swat’s Vice Chancellor, he emphasized the need for inclusive, forward-looking policies that bridge social divides and uplift youth from all segments of society.
“Our vision is clear,” he concluded. “We want every young Pakistani to be healthy, educated, self-sufficient, and hopeful.”