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ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (APP):Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Tuesday attended Jamia Islamabad’s 34th convocation. He thanked organizers, guests, faculty members, and students for the invitation to the prestigious event while stressing the need to blend modern education with Islamic roots to counter global decline and announcing chromebook distributions, madaris vocational integration, and 2 million youth jobs abroad.
He said that when he received the invitation and learned about Jamia Islamabad, which is one of Pakistan’s leading Islamic universities, he realized how critical such initiatives are in the present era.
He emphasized that while modern students must acquire contemporary knowledge and progress in their fields, it is equally important to strengthen their foundations by remaining connected to their roots, identity, and faith.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted that the decline seen in the world today stems from distancing away from the values of Islam, which originated in Saudi Arabia and spread its light of knowledge across the globe.
Chief PMYP noted that Islamic civilization gifted the world vast treasures of knowledge, and that Muslim scholars, scientists, and thinkers played a major role in shaping today’s modern world.
He stressed the need to revive that golden era by correcting our direction and reconnecting with our intellectual and moral foundations. Khan shared that upon thoroughly reviewing the invitation and initiative, he was deeply impressed, acknowledging that he was previously unaware of such impactful efforts.
He emphasizes the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to education reforms, recalling that during his tenure as Punjab’s Minister for Education, Quranic education was made mandatory in schools.
He further stated that after Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif assumed office as Prime Minister, one of his priorities was the integration of madaris into the national education framework.
The Chairman announced that for the first time, madaris have been included in technical and vocational education programs in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
Rana further revealed that 500,000 Chromebooks will be disbursed, while a total of 2 million (20 lakh) devices will be provided over the next two years, including for madaris.
He proposed that the distribution begin from madaris, in coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education. Commenting on global conflicts and injustices, particularly in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Egypt, he stated that such devastation is often the result of weakness.
Quoting Allama Iqbal to highlight the consequences of collective decline. He emphasized that strengthening foundations requires nurturing children and youth who possess faith, honor, moral courage, love for religion, and the determination to excel in modern education.
Under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, initiatives are being undertaken across education, technical training, arts and culture, science and technology, IT, sports, and environmental sustainability.
Rana Mashhood highlighted the emerging green economy and artificial intelligence sectors as multi-trillion-dollar opportunities where Pakistan must secure its share.
Regarding the chip and semiconductor industry, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan noted that Pakistan is among the few countries introducing semiconductor and chip policies.
The government’s plans for upcoming laptops aims to incorporate these developments, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir jointly guiding the initiative to ensure Pakistan meets all modern requirements.
He emphasizes that, Insha’Allah, the chips will be designed in Pakistan, and the laptops will also be locally designed. Chromebooks are already being manufactured in the country.
Pakistan’s defense equipment is in high demand internationally, and in the technology sector, Pakistani youth are increasingly recognized for their skills worldwide.
He announced that in collaboration with NAVTTC and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the government aims to provide dignified employment to 2 million youth this year. A comprehensive road map has already been developed in coordination with HEC, universities, madaris, and various organizations.
Concluding his address, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan expressed strong confidence that a generation equipped with both religious and modern education will ensure a bright future for Pakistan.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and support, stating that through educated youth, Pakistan will contribute to the revival and prosperity of Islam.