Rawalpindi – Providing youth with development opportunities and involving them in policymaking is key to national progress. Under the “Power to the Youth” initiative, over 2,500 young individuals have already benefited, with 66% of them either employed or having started their own businesses.
Speaking at a press conference at the Rawalpindi Press Club on Wednesday, representatives from Partnership for Development—including Madiha Rafaq, Khurram Shehzad, Andaleeb, and Tayyab Abbas—highlighted the event’s goal to emphasize youth socio-economic inclusion, skill development, and civil society collaboration. The press conference was organized in partnership with the civil society organization Hasna Welfare.
They shared that young beneficiaries have launched small businesses in fields like fashion design, IT, and electrical work, contributing to reducing unemployment.
Khurram Shehzad (General Secretary, Hasna Welfare) underscored the role of civil society organizations, stressing that government bodies, private sectors, and social institutions must collaborate to provide technical training and opportunities for youth at the local level. He emphasized that strong partnerships are vital for youth development and community prosperity.
Ms. Andaleeb called for expanding vocational programs for women, while speakers collectively advocated for more platforms to engage youth in decision-making, enabling them to contribute effectively to community betterment.
The “Power to the Youth” project not only equips young people with technical skills but also offers financial support, business mentorship, and practical opportunities to foster economic self-reliance. The initiative specifically focuses on empowering marginalized groups, including young women, persons with disabilities, the transgender community, and religious minorities, ensuring their active participation in local development and governance.