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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, held a press conference at the Press Information Department here on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, he emphasized that the government remains firmly committed to shaping the future of Pakistan’s youth by guiding them towards positive and productive avenues.
Rana Mashhood strongly condemned the “Faiz–Niazi nexus,” accusing it of undermining national stability, obstructing development, and deliberately attempting to jeopardize the future of the country’s younger generation.
Addressing journalists and all media representatives, Rana Mashhood said youth empowerment remains central to the government’s vision for a stable and prosperous Pakistan. He said constructive engagement of young people is being prioritized to counter despair and misinformation that previously pushed many towards uncertainty and frustration.
Rana said focused investment is being made in technical and vocational education, science and technology, information technology, agriculture, arts, design and innovation, enabling young Pakistanis to compete effectively at national and international levels.
Highlighting key initiatives, he said merit-based soft loans, innovation awards, laptops and Danish Schools are being utilized to expand access to opportunity and restore confidence among the youth. “These are not symbolic steps; these are structural reforms aimed at long-term impact,” he said.
Launching a sharp critique of the previous regime, Rana Mashhood said the alleged Faiz–Niazi nexus is aimed at crippling Pakistan from within by weakening institutions, distorting national direction and eroding the foundations of the youth. He alleged that in past anti-state elements were deliberately facilitated and allowed space within the country despite their hostility toward Pakistan. He said many of those figures are now based abroad, including in India and Israel, from where they continue to spread propaganda against Pakistan.
Rana Mashhood said today’s Pakistani youth stands united, rejecting divisive narratives and choosing a path of progress, prosperity and national dignity.
Expressing deep sorrow over the APS tragedy, Rana Mashhood said December 16 remains one of the darkest and most painful chapters in Pakistan’s history. He said the nation can never forget the innocent children who were martyred in the brutal attack, adding that their smiles, dreams and futures were taken away by ruthless forces bent on destroying Pakistan. “Those children were not just students; they were the future of this nation,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Rana Mashhood said every parent in Pakistan felt the pain of APS as their own, and the tears shed that day continue to unite the nation in grief and resolve. He stressed that honoring the APS martyrs means protecting future generations through unity, vigilance and unwavering action against extremism, ensuring that such a tragedy is never allowed to repeat itself.
He added while past leadership attempted to erase its memory, the nation continues to honor the martyrs by supporting their families. He said through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), assistance is being extended to the parents of APS martyrs, while education and development opportunities are being ensured for their brothers and sisters.
Strongly condemning the recent incident in Bihar, Rana Mashhood expressed deep anguish and outrage. This is not just an attack on one woman, it is an attack on dignity, faith and humanity.” He said Pakistan strongly condemns the incident and takes serious notice of such acts of religious intolerance and violence.
He questioned the silence of international human rights organizations, asking why those who claim to champion women’s rights and minority protection remain quiet when Muslim women are humiliated. “Our conscience does not allow us to stay silent,” he said, adding that Pakistan stands firmly with every oppressed woman and victim of injustice.
Rana Mashhood said accountability related to the Faiz–Niazi nexus has begun, stressing that punishment awarded so far marks only the starting point. He said cases related to abuse of authority, the May 9 incidents, foreign funding, and the Al-Qadir Trust remain under legal process. “Those who looted national wealth and fled abroad will be brought to justice. There will be no forgiveness,” he said.
On regional matters, Chairman PMYP said Pakistan’s growing strength has become a source of discomfort for its enemies. He said the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos exposed hostile ambitions, adding that while defeat should have been acknowledged by India, certain elements instead continued to echo enemy narratives by attacking Pakistan’s armed forces from within.
He reaffirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s government and armed forces stand united in defending national interests and standing with every oppressed individual.
Concluding his remarks, Rana Mashhood said Pakistan’s future is secure. “Pakistan is strong today and, God willing, it will become even stronger,” he said, adding that those who betray the country will be taken to their logical end through constitutional and legal means.