PM’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Says Merit, Transparency and Equal Opportunity Are Core Government Policy

Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, said that merit, transparency, and equal opportunities are the basic pillars of government policy, and that young people across the country are being provided opportunities without discrimination. He made these remarks on Monday while attending the Pakistan International Culinary Championship 2026 at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore as the chief guest. He said the Prime Minister’s Youth Program was established solely to empower youth, and that efforts are being made continuously for this purpose. He added that to align young people with modern requirements, they must be equipped not only with traditional education but also with technical and vocational training. Rana Mashhood said the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to empower youth, under which initiatives such as the laptop scheme, scholarships, internship programs, and skills training projects have been launched to prepare youth for the practical demands of life. He reiterated that merit, transparency, and equal opportunities remain the core of policy and that, through the PM Youth Program, opportunities are being offered nationwide without discrimination. He said modern technology, digital skills, and entrepreneurial training will play a key role in guiding young people toward self-employment. He urged the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society to cooperate with the government in mentoring and guiding youth. He congratulated the club administration for organizing the event and said participation of chefs from 27 countries is encouraging. He added that institutions that work and deliver will be given full opportunities to come forward. He said promoting sports is necessary for healthy activities, and that national development can be accelerated by providing youth with education, modern technology, and skills opportunities. He also congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the successful organization of the Basant festival in Lahore, saying it provided people a strong opportunity for recreation and helped bridge a generational gap, as older people were seen teaching the younger generation how to fly kites. He said the festival strengthened the idea of moving forward together as a society. MNA Shaista Parvez Malik, in her address, said the coming era is one of technology, and youth will succeed when they have skills and can contribute to national development; she added that the government is using all resources to make youth skilled.