The event gathered more than 400 young
participants from Lahore, Gujrat, Mandi
Bahauddin, Mirpur, Sialkot, and Jhelum
Correspondent
Lahore: The Punjab Youth Summit 2025, organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with the British High Commission, took place at the University of Home Economics Lahore on February 12, 2025.
Over 400 Youth Engage in Critical Discussions
The event gathered more than 400 young participants from Lahore, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Mirpur, Sialkot, and Jhelum. Representatives from the British High Commission, the US Consulate Lahore, parliamentarians, media, academia, and civil society were also present. The summit emphasized collective action in shaping Pakistan’s future and addressing the challenges of irregular migration.
Promoting Local Entrepreneurship to Counter Migration Risks
The summit focused on raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Syed Kausar Abbass, Executive Director of SSDO, urged the youth to invest in Pakistan’s economy rather than falling prey to human traffickers. He stressed that starting businesses locally would lead to a safer and more prosperous future.
UK and US Commitment to Address Migration Challenges
Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office for the British High Commission, highlighted the UK-Pakistan partnership in tackling irregular migration. He underscored the need for joint efforts to prevent youth from taking dangerous migration routes. Similarly, Nikhil Lakhanpal, Deputy Political and Economic Chief of the US Consulate Lahore, spoke about the US Mission’s ongoing collaborations with Pakistan to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Government Officials Call for Policy Reforms
MPA Uzma Kardar, Convener of the Special Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling, discussed Pakistan’s legislative measures against human trafficking. She emphasized the role of policy reforms in addressing the crisis. Fahad Shahbaz, Focal Person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Punjab, encouraged skill development and entrepreneurship as alternatives to migration.
MPA Sarah Ahmed, Chairperson of the Child Protection Welfare Bureau Punjab, highlighted the psychological and societal factors pushing youth toward migration. She urged a mindset shift to help young people make informed decisions about their future.
Call to Action: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
Renowned actor and mental health advocate Nadia Jamil called on youth to use their platforms to spread awareness about the risks of irregular migration. She encouraged them to empower their peers to make safer choices.
The Punjab Youth Summit 2025 concluded with a strong commitment to promoting local entrepreneurship and discouraging risky migration practices. The event successfully fostered meaningful discussions and reinforced the importance of economic opportunities within Pakistan as a pathway to a secure and sustainable future for the country’s youth.
