Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, met with Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins to explore initiatives and collaborations aimed at empowering the youth in Pakistan. Key officials, including Khawaja Junaid, Focal Person for Sports, and Syeda Aamna Batool, Focal Person for International Relations, were present at the meeting.

According to Press Information Department, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reiterated his long-standing commitment to youth affairs, a field he has been involved in since 2002. He highlighted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s role as the first political party to introduce a comprehensive youth policy. Khan discussed the Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Scheme, through which approximately 186 billion rupees have been distributed to young entrepreneurs to promote economic development and self-sufficiency. The conversation also included potential cultural exchange programs between Australia and Pakistan, focusing on sports and education. Rana Mashhood proposed mutual training initiatives in sports to enhance skills and build partnerships.

Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins expressed admiration for the talent and potential of Pakistani youth and announced plans for new scholarships for Pakistani students. He emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting education and skills development. Commissioner Hawkins also showed interest in enhancing cooperation in sports, particularly hockey, and discussed collaborating with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme on strategic initiatives in this area. The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about future collaborations to empower Pakistani youth and strengthen ties between Australia and Pakistan.