Talent Hunt Programme: Saif says govt striving to empower minority youth

PESHAWAR: Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif on Sunday said that the provincial government was committed to empowering minority youth and helping them turn their dreams into reality.

He urged the youth to seek education not merely for jobs or degrees, but for awareness, consciousness, and service to humanity.An official handout said that he was speaking as chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the Minority Youth Talent Hunt Programme held in Peshawar under the auspices of the provincial Auqaf, Haj, Religious and Minority Affairs Department.

Over 600 youth from the minority of the province (both male and female) participated in the two-day event. They competed in 10 categories including Urdu and Pashto singing, essay writing, declamation contests, painting, art, and rap performances.At the closing ceremony, winners were awarded cash prizes. Participants also offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan and performed patriotic songs.

In his address, Barrister Saif emphasized that the labels of “majority” and “minority” create divisions in society, whereas the truth is that we are all, first and foremost, human beings and Pakistanis. “Our true identity should be based on character, ethics, and humanity — not on religion, race, or language,” he stated.

Quoting teachings from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Sikhism, Barrister Saif said all religions promote universal values of humanity, justice, love, and morality.He urged youth to seek education not merely for jobs or degrees, but for awareness, consciousness, and service to humanity. “Wealth and employment are for humans, not the other way around,” he remarked.

He stressed that granting equal rights to minorities is not only a constitutional obligation but also a divine command and a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Our government is fully committed to empowering minority youth and helping them turn their dreams into reality,” he added.

Among the top winners, Sajid Iqbal from Kalash secured first position in Urdu essay writing, while Surinder Singh from Buner stood second. Awards were also presented to outstanding performers in English essay writing, painting, thematic art, declamation contests, and singing competitions.

In Pashto singing, Kiran Zulfiqar and Ashbam Tanveer, both from Peshawar, stood out. Junaid Kalash received a special award in the rap category, while young vocalist Isaac Javed, also known as “Chhota Ustad,” and Mahak Javed each received cash prizes of PKR 20,000.

A distinguished panel of judges — including celebrated singer Sitara Younus, renowned actor Syed Rehman Shino, academic professors, and national assembly officials — evaluated the competitions.

On this occasion, Saif announced that dedicated slots will be allocated on Pakhtunkhwa Radio Stations of the provincial Information and Public Relations Department to showcase the talents of minority youth. “We want these young voices to go beyond local stages and resonate across the country,” he said. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Deputy Secretary of the Minority Affairs Department, Habib Khan Afridi, presented a commemorative shield to the chief guest, while renowned photographer and painter Uncle Tony gifted him paintings.