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Maryam Shah
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP):Minorities in Pakistan have always been valued members of the nation, living alongside other communities, contributing to society, and benefiting from constitutional protections that guarantee equality and freedom of religion.
Building on this strong foundation, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), under the leadership of Chairman Rana Mashhood, has taken the inclusion and empowerment of minority youth to a new level.
The program transforms legal guarantees into real, tangible opportunities for education, skills development, and social leadership.
So far, PMYP has trained 198 young people from minority and marginalized communities. 91 of them are in Tando Allahyar and ninety eight are in Lahore. 268 more youth have enrolled. Their training is scheduled to be completed by January 2026.
The program is active across multiple cities.
It combines vocational and technical skill building with interfaith and social cohesion initiatives. Seventy dialogues have been conducted nationwide. These bring together youth from different religious backgrounds.
The initiative aims to ensure minority youth have equal access to opportunities. Modern training equipment and dedicated centers provide both education and practical skills.
Under Rana Mashhood’s leadership, the empowerment of minority youth is a key focus. At a December 2024 press conference, he explained the government’s vision. “We are taking practical steps for the empowerment of youth,” he said.
The National Youth Council was formed with minority representation. Seats were also reserved for women and other marginalized groups. This gives young people a voice in policymaking.
He also stressed that providing dignified jobs and socio-economic opportunities is our top priority. Significant investments support vocational, technical, and information technology education. Rana Mashhood has repeatedly affirmed the government’s commitment to economically empowering women and minority youth.
Speaking at an event honoring Dr. Ruth Pfau, Rana Mashhood said that minority contributions to national progress are “invaluable.” He highlighted that PMYP is creating pathways through business support, internship programs, and training opportunities.
He called youth of all backgrounds “the hope and symbol of development” for Pakistan. Inclusion, he explained, is a national priority.
A key milestone in PMYP’s work is unfolding in Islamkot.Islamkot is a region with a significant minority population. PMYP has delivered equipment for physiotherapy and healthcare assistance. Fifty young minority women are now training in these fields.
For many of these girls, this is their first opportunity to gain professional qualifications. It also provides a path to economic independence.
Through this training, they gain technical skills and a role in improving the health and well being of their communities. Families have expressed pride and gratitude. They say opportunities like this were once unimaginable.
The interfaith dialogues under PMYP are equally transformative. In one session in Tando Allahyar, a young Hindu trainee Meera Chand shared her experiences of exclusion. A Muslim classmate replied, “Not here. In this program, we rise together.”
In Lahore, Christian and Sikh youth shared stories of struggle. They realized that their challenges and aspirations often overlap. These dialogues help minority youth become not only skilled professionals but also leaders and advocates for social cohesion.
Minority participants have expressed deep appreciation for PMYP. A young Christian woman Imrozia who completed her vocational training said, “For the first time, I am not just a student. I am a future professional with real chances.”
Harish Kumar ,a Hindu youth from Sindh said the dialogues made him feel recognized. “We are not outsiders here. Our stories matter, and people listen.”
Rana Mashhood’s vision goes beyond training programs. At a consultative session for a new youth policy, he introduced a model offering vocational training in carpentry and nursing, professional training in information technology, and even sports coaching.
He linked this plan to a framework of education, engagement, employment, and environment. He emphasized that minority youth must be included in national development initiatives.
He repeatedly calls on young people of all faiths to “set aside differences and work with commitment for unity, integrity, and economic stability.”
Government institutions also reinforce this commitment. The National Commission for Religious Minorities works with civil society to support youth through leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy programs. Minority communities are a primary focus.
Legal protections, reserved assembly seats, quotas in civil service, and freedom of religion provide a strong foundation. PMYP builds on these rights to create real opportunities.
For many minority families, PMYP is more than a program. It is proof that the state sees them, supports them, and believes in their future. Minority youth are no longer on the margins. They are central to Pakistan’s story of progress, resilience, and unity.
Internationally, PMYP is being recognized as a model for inclusive youth empowerment. The program combines vocational and professional training with social cohesion and interfaith engagement.
By addressing barriers faced by minority youth, it ensures access to education, healthcare training, and economic opportunities. A young Christian participant David Joseph said, “This program gives us a voice and a future.”
A Hindu trainee Trisha Kumari from Sindh added, “We feel included, heard, and supported.” Rana Mashhood emphasizes that PMYP is not just about skills training. “We must work together, set aside differences, and commit to unity and progress,” he said.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s constitutional protections for minority communities while turning rights into tangible opportunities. For minority families, PMYP represents recognition, hope, and opportunity.
Every training completed, every dialogue held, and every skill gained sends a clear message: young people from minority communities belong, they are valued, and they are part of Pakistan’s future. Through PMYP and Rana Mashhood’s leadership, minority youth are stepping into a future of empowerment, dignity, and equality.