ISLAMABAD -UNS : The National Youth Leadership Programme (NYLP), in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), organized the National Youth Summit 2026 in Islamabad, bringing together more than 400 young delegates, students, business leaders, professionals and diplomatic representatives from across the country.
The summit was inaugurated by Khawaja Sheraz Ali, Chairman NYLP, who thanked the event partners and particularly acknowledged the support of ICCI and D-Watson Group.
Addressing the concluding session, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Chief Guest, called for collective support for initiatives aimed at developing Pakistan’s future leadership.
He said that “as a nation, we should support the Youth Leadership Programme according to our individual and collective capacity. This investment is the guarantee of Pakistan’s bright future,” he said.
Addressing the participants, Sheraz Ali stressed the importance of building stronger connections between young people and key national institutions.
“For the sustainable development of youth, strong linkages between industry, educational institutions and diplomatic leadership are a critical need of the time,” he said.
Sardar Tahir Mahmood, President ICCI, welcomed the guests and delegates and appreciated NYLP’s efforts to empower young people. He said ICCI would extend all possible support for the promotion of youth-led businesses, entrepreneurship and professional training.
Tahir Ayub, Senior Vice President ICCI, said the Chamber would continue to play an active role in enhancing the capacity of young people, developing leadership skills and facilitating joint ventures and business opportunities.
Addressing the youth summit, Iftikhar Mashwani, Editor-in-Chief of Tribune Media Group, said Pakistani youth possess immense potential to achieve their goals and make a meaningful contribution to the country’s development.
He described young people as one of Pakistan’s greatest assets, noting that more than 60 percent of the country’s population consists of youth. However, he expressed concern that successive governments had failed to create adequate employment, entrepreneurship and professional opportunities for the younger generation.
Mashwani urged both the government and the private sector to play a proactive role in creating opportunities for young people across different fields, enabling them to utilize their talent, skills and potential for national progress.
He also called upon the youth to come forward, take responsibility and play a positive and constructive role in society and the country, stressing that Pakistan’s future development and prosperity largely depend on the empowerment and active participation of its younger generation.
A major feature of the summit was an interactive panel discussion, during which experts from different fields responded to questions from young delegates and shared their professional experiences.
The panel included Brigadier (Retd) Aslam Khan, President Research & Development Foundation; Kashif Nazir, Director CDA; Amna Munawwar, President COPAIR; Iftikhar Mashwani, Editor-in-Chief Tribune Media Group; and Aftab Ahmed, Principal Cadet College Murree.
Panelists discussed emerging opportunities and challenges for young Pakistanis and offered guidance on leadership, policymaking, media, education, public service and national development.
Ambassador Dr. Shahid Amin, Chairman IHRC-RFT and Guest of Honor, appreciated NYLP’s initiatives and said efforts would be made to create international opportunities for youth leadership and development, enabling young Pakistanis to represent the country effectively at global forums.
Prominent members of the business community, including Khalid Choudhury, Nageena, Aneeqa Hassan, CEO of Annz Agency, Abbas Hashmi, Muhammad Ali, Nisar Mirza and Zulqarnain Abbasi, among others, also attended the summit. Participants acknowledged the potential of Pakistan’s youth and expressed their willingness to collaborate with young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.
The National Youth Summit 2026 concluded with a networking session, feedback from delegates and the announcement of NYLP’s upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening youth leadership, entrepreneurship and professional development.
