Pakistan sets youth priorities at Commonwealth Meeting

November 17, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan detailed its policy priorities on youth development at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan addressed participants virtually.

The meeting, held at the International Youth Centre, brought together representatives from 56 Commonwealth member states to review progress on youth-related commitments and future coordination.

In his remarks, the Chairman, who serves as Co-Chair of the Task Force, said the forum remains a key mechanism for tracking implementation of mandates from the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (10CYMM) in London and resolutions endorsed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

He highlighted the relevance of the Commonwealth Year of Youth (2023–2024) and said young people must be included as partners in policymaking.

Pakistan’s delegation reaffirmed the country’s priorities under the PMYP, focusing on education, employment, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and youth engagement in governance.

Officials also referenced national initiatives presented at the recent CAYA Youth Summit Islamabad 2025, including the formation of the National Youth Council, the establishment of the CAYA Secretariat, and the Islamabad Youth Declaration centred on innovation and inclusion.

During the session, participants discussed cooperation on digital access, the professionalization of youth work, expansion of non-formal learning, and wider collaboration with regional blocs such as SAARC, ASEAN, CARICOM, the African Union, and the Pacific Community to advance South–South partnerships.

PMYP representatives Syeda Amnah Batool, MNA and focal person, and Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik attended the meeting in person on behalf of the Chairman. Pakistan reiterated its intention to work with Commonwealth members to support the 1.6 billion young people across the bloc.

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