ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (IN): Prime Minister’s Youth Programme’s Overseas Pakistani Business and Trade Focal Person Shaheryar Memon hosted a grand Iftar dinner at his residence in Islamabad, bringing together parliamentarians, ambassadors, diplomats, and leading figures from the business community.
The event was attended by members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, investors, and socio-political personalities. The gathering served as a platform to discuss ways to promote investment in Pakistan, expand business opportunities for overseas Pakistanis, and economically empower the country’s youth.Speaking to the media, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said the Iftar was not only a religious gathering but also an opportunity to connect foreign diplomats with the local business community. He said the initiative aimed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between Pakistan and other countries.Rana Mashhood emphasized that Pakistan must integrate more effectively into the global supply chain by linking local chambers of commerce with international markets.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to an export-led growth policy and highlighted the key role of youth in promoting e-commerce and modern business practices.He added that youth startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are among the government’s top priorities, with efforts underway to provide maximum support to young entrepreneurs. He also stressed the importance of women entrepreneurs, noting that their participation in economic activities is essential for sustainable national development.
Addressing the gathering, Shaheryar Memon said encouraging young people to enter the business sector is vital for increasing Pakistan’s exports and attracting foreign investment. He noted that Pakistan must focus on export diversification while also strengthening regional trade, particularly with Central and South Asian countries.He said Pakistan holds a strategic position in regional and global trade, adding that ports in Karachi, including Gwadar Port, play a key role in connecting regional markets with the global economy.Memon also highlighted the participation of ambassadors from ASEAN countries, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and South Asia, calling it an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s economic and trade relations with these regions.Among the diplomats who addressed the event were Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan; Azhar bin Mazlan, Ambassador of Malaysia; and Yusuf Sharifzada Tahior, Ambassador of Tajikistan, along with envoys from Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Syria, Nepal, Rwanda, and Kenya.The diplomats described Pakistan as an emerging market with vast potential due to its strategic geographic location.
They noted that the country could play a central role in global trade, particularly in agriculture, textiles, and information technology, and highlighted Pakistan’s importance as a gateway to Central Asia.President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shaukat, also attended the event and stressed that linking Pakistan’s businesses with the global supply chain is crucial for economic progress. He added that expanding regional trade would be key to achieving sustainable growth.Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noor, Mubarik Zaib, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan, Malik Habib, Senator Abdul Qayyum Soomro, Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel, and representatives of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry were also present on the occasion.
