Youth empowerment emphasised as summit ends

PESHAWAR: The Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit 6th Edition concluded on Thursday after emphasizing the significance of youth empowerment in shaping Pakistan’s future.

The three-day event, organized at the Agriculture University Peshawar, marking youth engagement and professional development.The collaboration was struck with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the Directorate of Youth Affairs KP, the District Youth Office Peshawar, and the Prisons Department KP, attracted a huge number of participants.

The summit was inaugurated by Humayun Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, who emphasized the significance of youth empowerment in shaping Pakistan’s future.The event featured over 30 speakers and 30 exhibitors, fostering discussions on technology, entrepreneurship, freelancing, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.

Among the speakers was a Member of National Assembly Sher Afzal Marwat, who delivered a session on cybersecurity, the dark web, and digital advancements.A key highlight of the summit was the Cultural Night, which showcased the rich traditions of Pakhtuns, Hazara, Chitral, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Attendees witnessed performances, traditional music, and cultural exhibits, immersing themselves in the country’s diverse heritage. The event featured a business exhibition, where national companies, startups, and entrepreneurs displayed their products and services, creating networking and business opportunities for young professionals.

The summit honored distinguished individuals for contributions in various fields through the Pride of KP Awards.Among the recipients were Ehsan Zaffar Abbasi, recognized as a Young Pakistani Innovator, Aftab Ahmad, Founder & CEO of Assort Tech, and Kashif Ali, Founder & CEO of TechKhwa, for their contributions to the technology and entrepreneurship sectors.

Fayyaz Ahmad, Founder Director of Jinnah Basic Schools & Colleges Mansehra, was acknowledged for his dedication to education, while Jamshed Burki for his work as a travel vlogger.Adnan Khan was honored for his contributions as a social worker, and Zoha Malik Sher was recognized for her achievements as a CSS officer.

Huzaifa Behram, CEO of LetsGrow, was awarded for his contributions to business and leadership.Iqra Wakeel Khan, a Karate & Jujitsu Gold Medalist, and Masoud Afridi, a GTF Taekwondo International Champion, were recognized for their excellence in martial arts.

Farzana Ali was honored for her contributions to journalism, while Dr. Muhib Afridi, Founder & CEO of HBK Arena, was acknowledged for his work in the fitness industry.Aqleem Orakzai, a mentor and social worker, was honoured for his dedication to guiding and uplifting communities. Aasiya Khan, a businesswoman and former minister, and Ubaidullah Khan, a martial arts champion, were also recognized for their achievements.

The summit honoured 14 of the top content creators from KP for their impact on the digital landscape. Among them were Jalal Ur Rehman, Bilal Naqeeb, Haram Nadeem, Huraira Ahmad, Mian Kashif Ahmad, Peshawar Junkies, Sidra Zeb, Annas Khan, Owais Jaan, Manayal Ahmed, Hira Fayaz, Reham Alamgir, Hania Fahimi, Zahra Abbas, Tehreem Awan, Sidra Tul Muntaha, and Umama Khalid.

As many as 14 journalists were awarded. They included Arshad Aziz Malik, Adeel Saeed, Bilal Ahmed, Yaser Hussain, Ihtisham Khan, Yawar Abbas, Adnan Khan, Syed Adnan, Saifullah Kohistani, Bakht Zaman, Afridi, Khalida Niaz, Razia Mehsud, Shahab Ur Rahman and Izhar Ullah.The summit concluded with a networking dinner, attended by prominent speakers, award recipients, and special guests.