By: JAVED IQBAL

The World Ambassador

TWA

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Islamabad:To promote the welfare, training, and positive engagement of young people, the Pakistan Youth League Volunteer Forum organized the Annual Youth Festival 2025–26 along with a prize distribution ceremony at the Government Guest House Hall in Wah Cantt. The event aimed to encourage the youth toward constructive, educational, and ethical activities.

The ceremony was hosted by Forum President Hafiz Ali Raza and General Secretary Sahibzadi Tamkanat Rauf Ameer. Information Secretary Raja Arshad Kiani and Education Secretary Engineer Shehzada Khurram Khan were also part of the organizing team.

Opening and Performances

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Ameen Mujaddadi, followed by a melodious Naat-e-Rasool ﷺ presented by Arslan Iqbal Karimi, winner of the national Naat competition. Students presented colorful performances including national songs, folk and regional music, and cultural dances, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.

Guests of Honor and Addresses

Prominent personalities including Baba-e-Sahafat Taxila/Wah Syed Mushtaq Hussain Naqvi, GNRC spokesperson David Paul, and Nazakat Ali Mirza attended the ceremony.

The chief guest, Raja Habib-ur-Rehman, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Wah Cantt, described youth as the nation’s greatest strength and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges faced by young people.

Awards and Trophies

Among the guests of honor were Muhammad Shafique (Nominated President, Azad Kashmir) and senior journalist Abid Siddique Chaudhry, who distributed prizes among students.

The event was presided over by Dr. Shahid Nawaz Malik, while Vice President Cantonment Board Wah Malik Arshad and Muhammad Siddiq Anzar awarded trophies to the winning institutions:

Golden Trophy: FG Girls High School No. 1
Silver Trophy: Quality School for Girls
Third Trophy: FG Public Boys High School No. 1

Students from St. Paul High School Wah Cantt received trophies for Urdu speech and best English stage hosting, while the school was also honored for its educational and welfare services.

Special Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award (Medical Sector): Dr. Shahid Nawaz Malik
Student Training & Motivation: Dr. Atiq Raza
Services in Journalism: Muhammad Siddiq Anwar and Abid Siddiq Chaudhry

Additionally, distinguished individuals from various fields were presented with certificates of appreciation and shields.

Closing Remarks

Speaking on the occasion, Abid Siddique Chaudhry said that such youth festivals encourage young people toward positive activities, academic competitions, and social awareness, which are crucial for Pakistan’s future. He added that these initiatives highlight the constructive role of youth in Pakistan’s latest developments.

Speakers and guests praised the Pakistan Youth League Volunteer Forum for organizing a well-managed and impactful event and expressed hope that similar initiatives for youth empowerment would continue in the future.