The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), in partnership with ACT International, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized a seminar at its Chehla Campus to highlight the role of the National Youth Helpline (NYHL) in addressing challenges faced by young people.
The event drew teachers, students, social activists, and members of the wider community, aiming to spread awareness about the helpline’s free-of-cost services, which include academic guidance, psychological counseling, career planning, and support for personal and social issues.
Welcoming participants, Dr Kashif Iqbal, Dean of Health Sciences at UAJK, praised the collaborative effort, calling the helpline a valuable initiative to empower youth in overcoming educational and psychological hurdles.
HEC Deputy Director Riaz Ahmed Qureshi, speaking on the theme “National Youth Helpline: Achievements, Rationale, and Sustainability,” detailed ACT International’s journey and its partnerships with UN agencies and local institutions. He stressed that the helpline provides critical guidance and counseling to help youth chart a constructive path toward their future.
Kanwal Kashif, Manager of the NYHL, highlighted its impact, noting that thousands of students nationwide have already benefited from its services. She said the platform plays a vital role in tackling mental health concerns, stress, and reproductive health issues, while serving as “the voice of every young person.”
Addressing the psychological and social challenges faced by youth, UAJK’s Dr Mudasar Hafeez emphasized that education should extend beyond textbooks to nurture balanced and socially responsible individuals. He encouraged students to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Prof Dr Syed Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of Social Sciences at UAJK, concluded the seminar by urging young people to openly share their struggles and make full use of platforms like the NYHL. A UNFPA representative also commended the initiative, describing it as a vital support system for youth across Pakistan.
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The seminar ended with a group photograph, shield presentations to distinguished guests, and certificates for student volunteers who helped make the event possible.