Germany promises support for Pakistan's youth initiatives

Islamabad : German Ambassador Alfred Grannas on Saturday promised his country’s support for Pakistan's youth initiatives and reiterated the importance of cross-cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.

During a meeting with Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan at the Prime Minister's Office here, the envoy said the German government was keen to provide opportunities for Pakistani youth to engage in educational and vocational training programmes, as well as sports and cultural exchanges, to help broaden their horizons and equip them with valuable skills. He and Rana Mashhood discussed potential avenues for youth exchanges and collaborative initiatives between Pakistan and Germany.

Olympian Khawaja Junaid and Syed Amna Batool, the Focal Person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme were also present in the meeting, which explored opportunities to foster stronger youth ties between the two countries, emphasising the importance of educational exchanges, skill-building programs, and international cooperation in the areas of sports and youth development. Rana Mashood highlighted the government's commitment to empowering young people across Pakistan. He noted that the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which includes initiatives in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, could greatly benefit from international partnerships that offer youth exposure to global best practices and professional networks.

Olympian Khawaja Junaid, a renowned sports figure, shared his insights on the role of sports in bridging cultural gaps and promoting youth empowerment. He emphasised that sports exchanges would not only provide opportunities for skill development but also encourage teamwork, discipline, and mutual understanding among young people. Syed Amna Batool highlighted various youth-oriented initiatives being implemented by the government, such as the Green Youth Movement, National Youth Council and expressed the hope that such initiatives could be further enhanced through international cooperation with Germany.