PESHAWAR: The sixth edition of the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit, hailed as the largest youth gathering in the country, concluded at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, after three days of vibrant discussions, cultural celebrations, and recognition of trailblazers. Organized jointly by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government, Directorate of Youth Affairs KP, District Youth Office Peshawar, and the Prisons Department KP, the summit drew a historic crowd of over 12,000 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders, marking a significant stride in youth empowerment and innovation.

The event was inaugurated by Humayun Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister KP, who underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing youth potential. “Our focus is to equip young minds with the tools to lead Pakistan into a future defined by innovation and inclusivity,” he remarked during his keynote address. Over 30 expert speakers, including Member of the National Assembly Sher Afzal Marwat, delved into critical topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and the challenges of the digital age. Marwat’s session on the dark web and technological advancements sparked dialogue on balancing opportunities with ethical considerations.

A standout feature of the summit was the *
Cultural Night, which transformed the venue into a mosaic of Pakistan’s heritage. Attendees experienced traditional performances from the Pakhtoon, Hazara, Chitrali, and Gilgit-Baltistan communities, accompanied by regional cuisine and handicraft exhibits. Concurrently, a bustling business expo provided startups and established companies a platform to showcase innovations, from AI-driven solutions to e-commerce models, fostering partnerships and investment opportunities.

The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards took center stage on February 11, honoring 15 individuals for excellence in fields such as technology, education, and social impact. Among the recipients were Ehsan Zaffar Abbasi (Young Innovator), Aftab Ahmad (Tech Entrepreneur), and Fayyaz Ahmed (Education Reformer), whose work has shaped communities across the province. Sports luminaries like Iqra Wakeel Khan (martial arts gold medalist) and Masoud Afridi (Taekwondo champion) were celebrated for bringing pride to Pakistan on global platforms.

The event also recognized excellence in journalism, with 14 journalists from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receiving the Best Journalist of KP Award for their contributions to investigative reporting and media integrity. Those honored included Arshad Aziz Malik, Yawar Abbas, Adnan Khan, Adeel Saeed, Syed Adnan, Saifullah Kohistani, Dr. Bakht Zaman, Ihtisham Khan Afridi, Khalida Niaz, Razia Mehsud, Shahab Ur Rahman, Izhar Ullah, Bilal Ahmed, and Yaser Hussain. Their work in journalism has been instrumental in bringing critical issues to the forefront.

In recognition of the growing influence of digital media, the summit honored 14 of the top content creators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 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. Their work in content creation and storytelling has played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s online narrative.

Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, reflected on the summit’s vision: “This is not merely an event but a movement to unlock the resilience and talent of KP’s youth. By bridging gaps between experts and young leaders, we aim to cultivate a generation ready to tackle global challenges”.

The summit culminated in a VIP networking dinner, where speakers and awardees reiterated the need for sustained collaboration. As the curtains fell, organizers vowed to expand initiatives like skill-building workshops and hackathons, which this year equipped participants with hands-on experience in AI and freelancing.

With its record attendance and multifaceted programming, the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit has cemented its role as a cornerstone for youth-driven progress, setting a new benchmark for fostering leadership and innovation in Pakistan.