Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on Tuesday called for deeper Pakistan China cooperation in education, skills, employment, technology and youth exchanges during a meeting with Chinese Charge d’Affaires Shi Yuanqiang at the Prime Minister’s Office, proposing a dedicated Chinese Universities Education Expo and structured collaboration on the National Youth Employment Policy to create more opportunities for Pakistani youth.
Rana Mashhood meets Chinese envoy to deepen youth cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Sep 01 (APP): Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on Tuesday called for deeper Pakistan China cooperation in education, skills, employment, technology and youth exchanges during a meeting with Chinese Charge d’Affaires Shi Yuanqiang at the Prime Minister’s Office, proposing a dedicated Chinese Universities Education Expo and structured collaboration on the National Youth Employment Policy to create more opportunities for Pakistani youth.
Chief PMYP welcomed Mr Shi and the Chinese delegation, stressing that stronger people to people and youth to youth engagement was essential to further strengthen the longstanding “iron brother” relationship between Pakistan and China.
He said Pakistani youth had a strong interest in pursuing higher education in China and proposed holding a Chinese Universities Education Expo in Pakistan.
The expo, he said, could bring Chinese universities and Pakistani students together, allowing institutions to showcase academic programmes, scholarships and admission opportunities.
Mr Khan said Pakistan wanted to expand cooperation with China in culture, technology, research, education and skills development to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
Mr Khan also highlighted the establishment of PMYP secretariats in China as a reflection of growing institutional engagement between the two countries in the youth sector.
He appreciated the continued support of the Chinese government and people for Pakistan and acknowledged China’s advanced technology and capabilities as an important element of bilateral cooperation.
Referring to growing collaboration in the space sector, Mr Rana said Pakistan’s first astronaut was expected to join China’s space station by the end of the year, describing it as another significant milestone in cooperation in science, technology and space.
Mr Shi described Pakistan China relations as unique and longstanding, reiterating that the two countries were “iron brothers”. He stressed the need to broaden youth exchanges in culture, technology, research and other fields to promote greater interaction and mutual understanding.
The Chinese diplomat also appreciated PMYP’s Digital Youth Hub (DYH), particularly its role in bringing diverse opportunities for young people onto a single platform.
He said the platform offered a comprehensive mechanism for connecting young people with opportunities and commended PMYP for developing an innovative initiative aimed at engaging, connecting and empowering youth.
The Chinese side expressed interest in exploring greater participation by Chinese universities, companies, development organisations and private sector partners through the Digital Youth Hub to expand opportunities for Pakistani youth.
Mr Rana briefed the delegation on PMYP’s flagship initiatives under its 4Es framework — Education, Employment, Engagement and Environment. These include the Youth Skills Development Programme, Youth Laptop Scheme, Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, National Innovation Award, National Volunteer Corps, Digital Youth Hub, Talent Hunt and Youth Sports League, and Green Youth Movement.
The chairman stressed the importance of cooperation on the National Youth Employment Policy, particularly in expanding employment, skills development, entrepreneurship and international opportunities for young Pakistanis.
He proposed a structured mechanism with the Chinese Embassy to identify relevant opportunities through Chinese universities, companies, development organisations and other stakeholders.
Joint Secretary PMYP Dr Muhammad Ali Malik said the programme would work closely with the Chinese government on the National Youth Employment Policy and explore areas where bilateral cooperation could contribute to employment, skills development and professional opportunities for Pakistani youth.
The meeting proposed designating focal persons from both sides to maintain regular communication, facilitate coordination and identify concrete areas of collaboration, with the two sides expected to work towards a framework of cooperation on youth employment and the National Youth Employment Policy.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen Pakistan China cooperation in the youth sector and translate the longstanding bilateral friendship into practical opportunities for young people.
