ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses, educational institutions and civil society to equip Pakistan’s youth with the skills and opportunities needed to drive the country’s economic and social progress.
Addressing the National Youth Leadership Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Malik described youth empowerment as a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future, saying young people must be given opportunities to develop into confident, skilled and responsible professionals and leaders.
The summit was jointly organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the National Youth Leadership Programme (NYLP), bringing together more than 300 young delegates along with representatives from business, government, academia and other institutions.
Malik said leadership and professional development programmes could help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing young Pakistanis with practical exposure, mentorship and meaningful participation in national affairs.
He urged the private sector, educational institutions, government departments and civil society organisations to work together to create opportunities that enable young people to develop their skills and gain practical experience.
Supporting youth, he said, should not be viewed merely as an investment in individuals but as an investment in Pakistan’s long-term stability, prosperity and competitiveness.
Malik also stressed the need to encourage young Pakistanis to become entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals and responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
ICCI Calls Youth Empowerment an Economic Investment
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan’s young generation would shape the future of the country’s economy, businesses and institutions.
He argued that young people should not be viewed only as the leaders of tomorrow but should be provided with an environment in which they can contribute to national development today.
Mehmood said ICCI regarded youth empowerment not as charity but as an economic investment, adding that Pakistan’s business community had a particular responsibility to provide young entrepreneurs and professionals with mentorship, market exposure and opportunities.
Ambassador Dr Shahid Amin, Chairman IHRC-RFT, appreciated the efforts of ICCI and NYLP in creating a platform where young people could interact with experienced professionals and develop leadership skills.
He emphasised the importance of connecting Pakistani youth with international opportunities, institutions and professional networks, saying greater global exposure could strengthen their capabilities and enable them to contribute more effectively to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Irfan Chaudhry also reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to youth development, capacity building and collaborative initiatives aimed at helping young people translate their potential into careers, businesses and leadership roles.
Over 300 Young Delegates Join Leadership Dialogue
A panel discussion during the summit gave more than 300 young delegates an opportunity to interact directly with professionals and experts on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, institutional engagement and the role of young people in Pakistan’s progress.
The panel included Brigadier (Retd) Aslam Khan, President RDF; Kashif Nazir, Director CDA; Aamna Munawar, President COPER; Iftikhar Mishwani, Editor-in-Chief Tribune Media Group; and Aftab Ahmed, Principal Cadet College Murree.
Panelists responded to participants’ questions and shared professional experiences and insights with the young audience.
NYLP Chairman Khawaja Shiraz Ali, who inaugurated the summit, thanked participating organisations and partners for supporting the event, particularly ICCI and D-Watson Group.
The summit placed youth participation at the centre of Pakistan’s development debate, with speakers stressing that education alone would not be enough unless young people also gain practical skills, professional exposure, mentorship and opportunities to participate in the economy and public life.
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