Peshawar - Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan on Saturday said the youth were the nation's most valuable asset and stressed the need to encourage them towards leadership, constructive engagement and national development. He was addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet and members of the Young Leaders Parliament during a parliamentary session held at the District Council Hall in Peshawar. President of the Young Leaders Parliament Naveed Ahmad, other office-bearers and a large number of young participants attended the event.
Youth as Key to National Progress
Addressing the gathering, Mr Jan said nearly 60 per cent of Pakistan's population comprised young people, which was why the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was prioritising investment in youth development. He urged young people to channel their energies into positive activities and play an active role in the progress of the country, adding that hard work, determination and dedication were essential for achieving success.
PTI's Political Vision
Referring to Imran Khan, Mr Jan said the former prime minister had emerged as one of the country's most popular political leaders after a prolonged political struggle spanning three decades. He added that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had become the country's largest political party and that, in line with Mr Khan's vision, many young party members had reached the national and provincial assemblies. The special assistant said Mr Khan had faced hardships, political pressure and imprisonment during his struggle, but maintained that his political ideology could not be suppressed. He further claimed that Mr Khan had transformed Pakistan's traditional two-party political structure by bringing youth into mainstream politics.
Election Allegations and Provincial Rights
Commenting on the 2024 general elections, Mr Jan alleged that PTI had secured the highest number of votes and seats, but claimed the party's mandate had been undermined through "Form 47". On provincial rights, he said the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa billions of rupees in unpaid NFC shares and net hydel profit dues. He added that the release of these funds could significantly improve the health, education and other public sectors in the province. Mr Jan said the provincial government was continuing efforts to secure the province's constitutional and financial rights.
Condolence and Prayers
He also described the killing of Maulana Muhammad Idrees as a major tragedy and expressed hope that those responsible would soon be brought to justice. A collective prayer was offered at the end of the ceremony for the departed religious scholar.
