Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) organized a Convention on the National Adolescent & Youth Policy (NAYP), here on Wednesday. The main aim of the convention was uniting policymakers, educators, and students to chart a future for Pakistan’s youth. The convention was attended by university staff, faculty members and a large number of students.  

Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training was chief guest on the occasion. While addressing, she highlighted the NAYP as a living document for 70% of Pakistan’s population. She stressed combating internal threats through youth empowerment and stated that youth are our asset and education paired with skills is non- negotiable. She called for mutual respect and positive behavior to counter exploitation by adversaries.    

Syeda Amnah Batool, Focal Person (PMYP), detailed the policy’s participatory design, including nationwide Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) ensuring gender equality. She announced the Digital Youth Hub (DYH), a platform to guide youth based on their skills and education.  

Dr. Muhammad Ali, Deputy Secretary PM Office, spotlighted government initiatives including interest-free business loans, laptop schemes and the Cricket Talent Hunt. He asserted unity and opportunity to transform youth into strength and urged registration of DYH and calling NAYP a policy for youth by youth.  

Earlier, in his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman extended gratitude to the PMYP and emphasized PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to youth development. He stated that PMAS-AAUR engaged students through 20+ societies and designed 5 NAVTEC courses. He urged youth to utilize skills for national betterment. The university pledged full cooperation with government youth initiatives, he added.