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ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, steers Pakistan at the forefront of global youth empowerment at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting held at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
Participating virtually while the Pakistani delegation attended in person, he addressed representatives from 56 Commonwealth countries, highlighting Pakistan’s initiatives in education, employment, entrepreneurship, climate action, and youth inclusion.
“The youth are not just beneficiaries of policies they are partners in shaping the future,” Rana Mashhood said, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to turning international commitments into practical measurable action. He praised the Commonwealth Secretariat for its ongoing efforts in youth development and referred to the recent 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, which strengthened the vision of “Aiming Higher Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth.”
As Co-Chair of the CYMTF, he emphasized the Task Force’s role in transforming Marlborough House Commitments, CYMM decisions, and CHOGM youth resolutions into tangible results.
Highlighting the “Commonwealth Year of Youth” 2023 2024, he stressed that investment in young people is the foundation of sustainable development.
Rana Mashhood outlined Pakistan’s key initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, focusing on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and social inclusion.
He also highlighted Commonwealth priorities such as closing the digital divide, ensuring equal access to technology, strengthening youth participation in governance, and promoting climate action led by youth.
The minister called for the professionalisation of youth work and expansion of non formal learning opportunities, while emphasizing stronger regional cooperation with SAARC, ASEAN, CARICOM, the African Union, and the Pacific Community to amplify youth development outcomes.
Referring to the successful CAYA Youth Summit Islamabad 2025, he noted that participation from 12 countries produced significant outcomes, including the establishment of the National Youth Council, the launch of the CAYA Secretariat in Pakistan, and the approval of the Islamabad Youth Declaration.
On the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Strategic Plan 2025 2030, he stressed that the Commonwealth Youth Programme must remain the central hub for youth led initiatives. He added that PMYP representatives MNA Amna Batool and Dr. Muhammad Ali would further elaborate on Pakistan’s youth agenda during the meeting.
Concluding his address, Rana Mashhood reaffirmed Pakistan’s pledge to create meaningful opportunities for 1.6 billion Commonwealth youth, declaring that the country is committed to working with all member states to build a peaceful prosperous and youth empowered Commonwealth.