Islamabad hosts Commonwealth youth leaders for Asia summit

Islamabad:The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Summit 2025 began at the Jinnah Convention Centre here on Tuesday, highlighting key themes of youth empowerment, education and skill development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the inaugural session, administered the oath to the members of the third batch of the National Youth Council and presented awards to high achievers.

The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the inaugural session.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), which hosted the summit, welcomed guests from 12 countries and congratulated 113 new members of the third batch of the Prime Minister's National Youth Council.

He said 49 boys, 49 girls, two transgender persons and 13 candidates from overseas diaspora were selected through interviews conducted by a panel of professionals and leaders. To highlight the rich heritage and scenic beauty of Pakistan, a video showcasing the country's tourism potential was presented, captivating the audience with stunning visuals of its diverse landscapes.

A video message from Commonwealth secretary general Patricia Scotland was also played, in which she acknowledged the government of Pakistan's progress in youth development and its significant contributions to the Commonwealth community. During the summit, the PMYP launched a new quarterly magazine, Spark, highlighting the achievements and stories of young Pakistanis.

PMYP chairman and patron of the magazine Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan said the publication would provide a platform to showcase the remarkable talents and achievements of Pakistan’s youth.

He said the magazine, titled ‘Spark’, edited by Ishrat Saleem and produced with the collaboration of university students, aimed to highlight the journeys of young individuals excelling in fields such as technology, innovation, arts, and social entrepreneurship and aspire to motivate and inspire others by showcasing the creativity and potential of youth.

"The launch of ‘Spark’ marks a significant milestone in celebrating the contributions of young Pakistanis and underscores their vital role in shaping a brighter future for the nation." The cover features Naila Kiani, the first Pakistani woman to conquer 11 peaks over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest and K2, to inspire young girls across the country to pursue their dreams while also promoting mountain tourism.