Islamabad, August 28, 2026: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has called for a concerted effort by the government, private sector, educational institutions and civil society to empower Pakistan’s youth, saying the country’s future depends on developing a confident, skilled and responsible generation capable of leading from the front.
Addressing the National Youth Leadership Summit 2026, jointly organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the National Youth Leadership Programme (NYLP), Malik said every segment of society had a responsibility to support initiatives that provide young people with opportunities for leadership, professional development and meaningful participation in national affairs.
He said youth leadership programmes could help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by equipping young people with the skills, experience and confidence needed to assume greater responsibilities in their professional and public lives.
“The future of Pakistan depends on a generation that is confident, skilled, responsible and capable of leading from the front,” Malik said, stressing that youth empowerment should be treated as a national priority rather than an isolated initiative.
He urged the private sector, educational institutions, government departments and civil society organisations to work together to provide young people with mentorship, skills development, professional exposure and platforms for practical engagement.
Supporting the youth, he said, was not merely an investment in individuals but an investment in Pakistan’s stability, prosperity and competitiveness. He encouraged young Pakistanis to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation and professional excellence while becoming responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan’s economic future, businesses and institutions would increasingly be shaped by its young population.
He called for creating an environment in which young people could contribute to national development today rather than being viewed merely as “leaders of tomorrow”.
Sardar Tahir said ICCI regarded youth empowerment not as charity but as an economic investment, adding that the business community had a particular responsibility to provide mentorship, market exposure and opportunities to young entrepreneurs and professionals.
He said stronger engagement between the business community and young people could help transform their potential into productive careers, innovative businesses and sustainable economic opportunities.
Ambassador Dr Shahid Amin, Chairman IHRC-RFT, appreciated the efforts of NYLP and ICCI to provide young people with a platform for leadership, interaction and professional development.
He highlighted the importance of connecting Pakistani youth with international opportunities and exposure, saying that engagement with global institutions, professional networks and international platforms could help young people broaden their skills and 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 productive careers, businesses and leadership roles.
A comprehensive panel discussion was held during the summit, providing more than 300 young delegates with an opportunity to directly interact with experienced professionals and experts.
The discussion focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, institutional engagement and the role of young people in national progress.
The panel featured Brigadier (retd) Aslam Khan, President RDF; Kashif Nazir, Director CDA; Aamna Munawar, President COPER; Iftikhar Mishwani, Editor-in-Chief of Tribune Media Group; and Aftab Ahmed, Principal of Cadet College Murree.
The panellists responded to questions from participants and shared their professional experiences and insights on leadership, career planning, entrepreneurship and the challenges facing young Pakistanis.
NYLP Chairman Khawaja Shiraz Ali, who inaugurated the summit, thanked the participating organisations and partners for their support in organising the event, particularly ICCI and D-Watson Group.
