ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has placed esports at the center of its international youth engagement strategy, with Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan using a series of high-level meetings in the United Kingdom to promote esports as a global career pathway for Pakistani youth.
According to an official statement issued by the Press Information Department, Khan’s UK engagements focused on connecting Pakistan’s young population with the rapidly expanding global esports and digital economy, while strengthening international partnerships in skills development, innovation, and policy design.
A key meeting was held with British Esports President Chester King, where both sides explored collaboration on esports policy development, curriculum design, digital skills training, and institutional strengthening.
The discussions also included plans for joint esports tournaments and international events aimed at giving Pakistani youth exposure to global competition and professional networks.
“Esports is no longer just entertainment; it is a fast-growing global industry offering real career opportunities in digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” Khan said, according to the statement.
The PMYP chairman emphasized the need for structured knowledge exchange and policy guidance to support Pakistan’s emerging esports ecosystem, noting that international collaboration is essential for aligning local talent with global industry standards.
He invited King to visit Pakistan to participate in upcoming national esports initiatives.
The statement added that potential cooperation with the British Council was also discussed, particularly in integrating game development, esports management, and broader digital skills into youth-focused programs under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
Beyond esports, Khan highlighted Pakistan’s wider youth empowerment agenda during his UK visit.
He outlined flagship initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme, under which more than 600,000 laptops have been distributed, and specialized training programs in artificial intelligence, data science, and blockchain.
He also cited the Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, which has disbursed Rs64.4 billion [$230 million] to over 120,000 young entrepreneurs, with a focus on women, technology startups, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
During a visit to the Muslim Hands Open Kitchen in Hounslow, Khan praised the organization’s humanitarian work, calling it “a powerful example of Pakistan’s commitment to serving humanity beyond borders.” He noted that the project has received recognition from national and international bodies, including the British government.
“The Open Kitchen projects a positive image of Pakistan across the United Kingdom and Europe, rooted in compassion, discipline, and sustained service,” he said.
Khan concluded that esports, digital innovation, and community service together form a modern framework for youth empowerment, positioning Pakistan’s young population to compete, collaborate, and contribute on the global stage.
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