Pak-China youth coop opens ‘new phase’ of opportunity: Rana Mashhood

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2026) Chairman of Prime Minister's Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of cooperation centered on youth development, technology transfer, industrial growth, and technical education, describing the partnership as a “window of opportunity” for the younger generations of both countries.

Speaking during his visit to China alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Mashhood said it was encouraging to see young people from both countries eager to progress and work together.

He said he regularly interacts with youth during foreign visits to understand their aspirations, adding that Pakistani and Chinese youth share similar ambitions and outlooks. According to him, there is “no difference” in the way young people from the two countries think about their future and development.

Highlighting growing educational ties, Rana Mashhood shared that his daughter chose Peking University for a summer school program instead of leading Western institutions, saying the experience helped build lasting friendships and reflected the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

As part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections, he invited 18 Chinese students to visit Pakistan later this year to experience the country’s educational institutions, culture, and economic progress firsthand.

Rana Mashhood said nearly 70 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of youth, describing the country’s large youth population as both a challenge and an opportunity. He stressed the need to engage young people positively and provide opportunities that enable them to become productive contributors to society.

He added that the government is focusing on productive employment, digital transformation, and education reforms under the vision of a “Digital Pakistan.” He also referred to the laptop distribution initiative launched during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, stating that more than 1.6 million laptops have so far been distributed in Punjab and at the Federal level as part of efforts to promote digital inclusion and move toward a cashless economy.