KARACHI, April 17, 2025 – Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), visited Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology as Chief Guest at a special event titled “AI & Emerging Technology for Youth Empowerment” at Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology. The event was held to spotlight the role of digital innovation in empowering Pakistan’s youth.
The session was attended by key academic figures, including Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering &Technology, Muhammad Akber Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor Dr. Jafar Nazir Usmani, Chairman of the Computer Science Department, Dr. Kashif Shaikh, and Sindh Coordinator for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Fahad Shafiq, along with a large number of enthusiastic university students.
In his inspiring address, Rana Mashood praised the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “As long as a single Muslim lives in the subcontinent, the Two Nation Theory remains alive. Pakistan came into being through unwavering struggle and countless sacrifices,” he remarked.
He spoke passionately about the need for intellectual commitment among youth, reminding students that success is a process that takes time and perseverance. “Pakistan is a product of determined struggle. Our independence, secured on the foundation of the Two Nation Theory, reflects our strength,” he said.
He also highlighted national achievements such as Pakistan becoming a nuclear power on May 28, 1998. “We are proud to be a self-reliant and secure nation,” he emphasized.
During the address, Rana Mashood shared several key initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme aimed at uplifting the country’s youth. He introduced the Digital Youth Hub, a comprehensive platform that has already registered over 2 million young individuals, providing them access to job opportunities, scholarships, and skill development programs. This hub serves as a one-stop digital resource to bridge the gap between youth and the employment market.
In a significant announcement, he revealed that the government is distributing 100 thousand laptops annually to deserving students across Pakistan. He confirmed that students of Sir Syed University will also be included in this distribution, helping them stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
He also spoke about the upcoming launch of Danish Schools throughout Pakistan, which are designed to offer quality education to underprivileged and remote communities. These schools aim to create educational equity and unlock the potential of youth from all backgrounds.
To ensure continued academic support, he encouraged students to register with the Endowment Fund, through which the government will finance meritorious and needy students, helping them pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Highlighting international collaboration, Rana Mashood mentioned the strengthening of ties with the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which will open new doors for Pakistani youth on the global stage. Furthermore, he noted that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Belarus, an agreement was reached to send over 150,000 trained and skilled Pakistani youth to Belarus for employment, enhancing overseas work opportunities.
The event concluded with a message of hope and empowerment, emphasizing that Pakistan’s youth are the architects of the country’s future and that the government is committed to equipping them with the tools and platforms they need to thrive in the age of technology.
