Pakistani Youth Rising: Global Achievements and Opportunities in Asia

Pakistan's Football Women Team recently won match in Malasiya (Radio Pakistan)

By: Abdullah Farooqui

Islamabad: Pakistan is a country blessed with a vibrant and energetic youth population. With nearly two-thirds of its people under the age of 30, the future of the nation rests heavily on the shoulders of its young men and women.

Despite facing many challenges, Pakistani youth are breaking barriers and making their mark on the global stage. From winning international competitions in technology and sports to leading climate change initiatives and excelling academically, their stories are a beacon of hope and inspiration. 

At the same time, many Pakistani students are exploring opportunities across Asia for higher education, research, employment, and even residency. This feature celebrates the remarkable achievements of Pakistani youth and highlights the promising pathways available to them in Asian countries. 

Pakistani Youth: Stories of Global Success

Pakistani youth have recently achieved extraordinary milestones that reflect their talent, resilience, and creativity.

• Technology and Innovation: Pakistani students topped the prestigious Harvard University CS50x course in 2025, a challenging computer science program with millions of participants worldwide. They also won the CS50x Puzzle Day, a global logic competition. These victories were supported by dedicated mentors like Dr. Zafar Shahid, who returned from Silicon Valley to nurture young talent. 

• At TEKNOFEST 2025 in Türkiye, Pakistani female students Asma Fatima and Anaya Khan won first place in an aerospace and technology competition, receiving personal congratulations from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

• Young innovators like Talha received grants from the US Embassy to pilot climate change solutions, while Zeeshan Shahid won the National Innovation Award for inventing an airbag vest for bikers.

• Academic and Literary Excellence: 13-year-old Dua Farhan Ahmed won the Young Author Award 2024 in Dubai, while many students like Suhaib from Danish School topped their matriculation and F.Sc. exams.

• Sports: Haris Khan won gold in wrestling at the Children of Asia Games 2024, and 12-year-old squash prodigy Muhammad Sohail Adnan became World No. 1 in the U13 category. 

• Climate Leadership: At the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance Summit 2025, 20 Pakistani youth received the Climate Champions Award for their work in renewable energy, water conservation, and climate education.

• Social Impact: Kashf Shah founded Pakistan’s largest volunteer network, planting 100,000 trees and organizing free medical camps. These achievements and many more to come highlight the immense potential of Pakistani youth and their ability to shine on the world stage despite many obstacles. 

Opportunities for Pakistani Students in Asia: Education, Research, Jobs, and Residency

Asia offers a wealth of opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue higher education, engage in research, find jobs, and even gain residency. Here is a country-wise overview: 

China 

• Education & Scholarships: China remains a top destination for Pakistani students, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, and technology. The Chinese government offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD studies. After COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2022, China resumed issuing student visas (X1 visa) for long-term study, allowing Pakistani students to return to campuses across the country. 

• Research: Chinese universities actively collaborate with Pakistani scholars, offering research opportunities in science, technology, and development studies. Platforms like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also provide internships and research fellowships in Manila, open to students from Pakistan and other Asian countries.

• Jobs: While direct employment opportunities for international students are limited, many Pakistani students engage in internships and part-time jobs related to technology and language tutoring.

• Residency: Students can apply for residence permits linked to their study programs. China’s visa policies have become more welcoming, facilitating longer stays for research and study. 

• Trade & Business: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continues to strengthen business ties, providing Pakistani entrepreneurs with opportunities in China’s vast market.

Japan

• Education & Research: Japan offers unique programs like the Campus Asia Program (CAP) at Ritsumeikan University, which focuses on East Asian languages, cultures, and international careers. Pakistani students can study Japanese, Chinese, and Korean languages and pursue graduate studies in Japan, China, or South Korea.

• Jobs: CAP graduates have found employment in trading companies, manufacturers, airlines, travel agencies, and education sectors across East Asia. Many leverage their language skills and networks to build international careers. 

• Residency: Japan offers student visas that can be extended for graduate studies or employment. Graduates may apply for work visas if they find employment in Japan. • Scholarships: Various Japanese government scholarships (MEXT) and university scholarships are available for Pakistani students.

Malaysia 

• Education: Malaysia is an affordable and popular destination for Pakistani students, especially in business, IT, and healthcare fields. Universities like Universiti Malaya and Monash Malaysia offer scholarships for international students. 

• Jobs: Malaysia offers work visa options for skilled professionals, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. 

• Residency: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program allows foreigners, including Pakistanis, to obtain long-term residency. This program suits retirees, businesspeople, and professionals seeking to settle in Malaysia. 

• Business: Malaysia’s strategic location and business-friendly environment provide opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs. 

Turkey

• Education: Turkish universities offer quality education with scholarships for Pakistani students, particularly in medicine, engineering, and social sciences. 

• Jobs & Research: Students can work part-time and engage in research projects. Turkey’s growing economy attracts international talent. 

• Residency: Turkey provides residency permits through employment or business registration, making it easier for Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs to settle. 

• Business: Turkey’s strategic location between Asia and Europe offers Pakistani business professionals access to wider markets. 

South Korea 

• Education & Research: Pakistani students enrolled in programs like CAP can study Korean language and culture, and pursue graduate studies in South Korea. 

• Jobs: Graduates find opportunities in Korean companies, especially in IT, manufacturing, and education sectors. 

• Residency: Student visas can be converted to work visas after graduation, allowing longer stays. 

Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) 

• Education & Research: These emerging markets offer growing opportunities in agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. Pakistani students can pursue studies and research in regional development and trade.

• Jobs & Business: Pakistan is expanding trade relations with Central Asian countries, encouraging joint ventures and special economic zones. This opens doors for Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals.

• Residency: Residency options are evolving with increased economic cooperation. Regional and International Internship Opportunities 

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) offers internships and postgraduate scholarships for students from Pakistan and other Asian countries. These programs provide practical experience in economics, management, science, and technology. 

• The SAARC Internship Programme places students and researchers at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu for research assignments, promoting regional cooperation and understanding. 

Scholarships and Exchange Programs: 

• The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for Pakistani students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in the United States, along with professional fellowships and teaching assistantships.

• Many Asian countries, including China, Japan, Malaysia, and Turkey, provide government-funded scholarships for Pakistani students.

• Universities often offer merit-based scholarships and research grants to attract international talent. 

Why Asian Opportunities Matter for Pakistani Youth

Asia is a vibrant region with rapidly growing economies, advanced educational institutions, and diverse cultures. For Pakistani youth, studying and working in Asia offers: 

• Affordable and quality education compared to Western countries. 

• Access to cutting-edge research and technology in fields like IT, engineering, and environmental science. 

• Employment opportunities in multinational companies, startups, and research institutions. 

• Cultural exchange and language skills that enhance global employability. 

• Pathways to residency and business opportunities in dynamic markets. 

Is It Easy to Get These Opportunities? 

No, it is not easy. These opportunities are competitive and require: 

• Strong academic records 

• Good language proficiency 

• Well-prepared applications 

• Persistence in meeting deadlines 

• Financial planning But with proper planning, hard work, and determination, Pakistani youth can successfully access these opportunities. 

Many students have done so before you, as recent achievements of Pakistani youth in global competitions and scholarships prove. Final Advice Pakistani youth should view studying and working abroad as an investment in their future. 

It demands effort and patience but offers immense rewards—world-class education, global exposure, research experience, and career advancement. Start early, prepare thoroughly, seek scholarships, and be ready to embrace challenges. The path may be tough, but the success stories of Pakistani youth show it is achievable.

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Shehbaz Heads to ECO Summit as Regional Tensions Rise

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 3 to 4, where he will discuss trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development.

“During the summit, the prime minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development,” the foreign office said.

Sharif will also meet with ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the statement read.

Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye, founded the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) organisation in 1964. Later, more states joined, and RCD evolved into ECO.

Its current members include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The 17th Summit is taking place when two key member states — Pakistan and Iran — are facing serious disruptions to trade and connectivity. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that prohibits it from storing or diverting the flow of western rivers in a way that affects Pakistan’s downstream access. Pakistan, citing this suspension as an act of war, shut down overland trade routes, including the Wagah border, and banned all Indian air traffic through its airspace.

Tensions escalated further after India carried out airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, alleging Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly downed numerous Indian Rafales with its Chinese-made jets. 

Separately, the Iran-Israel conflict continues to affect the region’s energy and transport corridors and global oil supply chain. 

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Afghanistan to attend as full member next Moscow Format meet

KABUL(BNA) Zamir Kabulov, Russian Foreign Ministry advisor and President Putin’s special envoy for Afghanistan, has confirmed that Afghanistan will participate as a full member in the next Moscow Format consultative meeting, scheduled for September or October 2025.

Kabulov made the remarks to TASS news agency following a UN-led working group on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. While the exact date has yet to be finalized, he said tradition dictates the Moscow Format will convene in autumn 2025, with Afghanistan taking part as a full member.

He added that discussions on the agenda and joint actions have already taken place with Russia’s ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and regional allies.

Kabulov described the Islamic Emirate as Russia’s “real ally” in the fight against terrorism and called for comprehensive support for Kabul, noting the Emirate’s unprecedented campaign against ISIS as a credible contribution to global counterterrorism efforts.

He highlighted strong security coordination between Moscow and Kabul, and praised the Islamic Emirate for safeguarding the Russian embassy.

Kabulov also urged the United States and European Union to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets, emphasizing that Afghan issues are solved not through conferences but through practical assistance. He called on the U.S. to release roughly $10 billion in Afghan funds and for Europe to return $2.5 billion currently frozen in Swiss banks under the guise of humanitarian aid.

He further stated that Afghanistan’s security situation has improved since the Western withdrawal. Following the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on the Islamic Emirate’s activities, Moscow is working to expand official ties with Kabul and open a new chapter of bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan, the newly appointed ambassador and special representative of the Afghan Taliban to the Russian Federation, officially took office following an introductory meeting with embassy staff in Moscow.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s press office, Ambassador Hassan stressed his commitment to advancing embassy affairs with full dedication and close cooperation with his team.

The ministry called Russia’s official acceptance of the ambassador a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and expressed hope that this move will further expand political, economic, and other forms of cooperation between the two countries

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Connectivity Opportunities in Asia

 

Here’s a brief overview of important Asian countries that could greatly benefit from improved connectivity, structured in a way that highlights their current status and the potential advantages of enhanced infrastructure and communication links.

1. China

Current Status:

China boasts one of the most extensive transportation networks in the world, including high-speed rail. However, regional disparities remain, with western provinces lagging behind.

Benefits of Better Connectivity:

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Strengthening links with neighboring countries can enhance trade routes and foster regional cooperation.

Environmental Sustainability: Improved connectivity can facilitate cleaner transport options and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Tourism Boost: Better infrastructure can promote tourism in less visited areas, contributing to local economies.

2. Pakistan

Current Status:

Pakistan has been investing in infrastructure through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, many areas still lack adequate road and rail networks.

Benefits:

Economic Development: By connecting remote areas, local businesses can thrive, and job opportunities can increase.

Regional Trade: Enhanced connectivity can facilitate trade with neighboring countries, particularly India, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Disaster Response: Improved infrastructure can aid in more effective disaster management and response.

3. India

Current Status: India, the world's second-most populous country, has a rapidly growing economy and a vast network of railways, roads, and air travel. However, infrastructure disparities exist, especially in rural areas.

Benefits of Better Connectivity: 

Economic Growth: Improved transport and communication networks can facilitate trade, boost local businesses, and attract foreign investment.

Rural Development: Enhanced connectivity can help rural areas access markets, healthcare, and education, reducing urban migration and fostering balanced growth.

Digital Inclusion: Expanding internet and mobile connectivity can empower local entrepreneurs and improve access to information.

4. Bangladesh

Current Status: Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving its infrastructure, but challenges remain in road safety and public transport systems.

Benefits

Trade Enhancement: Improved ports and transport systems can boost exports, especially in the garment industry.

Urban-Rural Linkages: Better connectivity can reduce poverty by linking rural farmers to urban markets.

Social Development: Enhanced access to education and healthcare through improved transport can uplift communities.

5. Vietnam

Current Status: Vietnam has invested heavily in its infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. However, rural regions still face connectivity challenges.

Benefits

Economic Integration: Improved transport links can integrate Vietnam into regional supply chains, enhancing its competitive edge.

Tourism Growth: Better connectivity to tourist sites can bolster the tourism sector, a vital part of Vietnam's economy.

Sustainable Development: Enhancing public transport can support environmental goals and reduce urban congestion.

6. Thailand

Current Status: Thailand has a well-developed infrastructure network, but some areas remain under-resourced, particularly in the south.

Benefits 

Regional Economic Hub: Improved connectivity can establish Thailand as a regional logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

Enhanced Tourism: Better transport links can improve access to tourist destinations, increasing revenue from tourism.

Investment Attraction: A robust infrastructure can attract foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing and services.

7. Myanmar

Current Status: Myanmar is at a crossroads with ongoing political changes affecting its infrastructure development. Connectivity remains a significant challenge.

Benefits

Economic Opportunities: Improved infrastructure can facilitate investment and trade, boosting economic growth.

Social Stability: Better transport and communication can improve access to education and healthcare, promoting social cohesion.

Regional Integration: Enhanced connectivity can strengthen ties with ASEAN countries, fostering regional cooperation.

8. Philippines

Current Status: The Philippines is an archipelago with significant challenges in inter-island connectivity. Infrastructure investment is crucial for development.

Benefits of Better Connectivity:

Disaster Resilience: Improved infrastructure can enhance disaster preparedness and response, crucial in a disaster-prone region.

Economic Growth: Better connectivity can support local businesses and attract tourism, contributing to GDP growth.

Digital Economy: Expanding internet access can empower small businesses and improve access to global markets.

9. Sri Lanka

Current Status: Sri Lanka has made strides in infrastructure development, but rural areas still face connectivity challenges.

Benefits

Economic Diversification**: Improved transport networks can facilitate trade, agriculture, and tourism, diversifying the economy.

Social Mobility: Better connectivity can increase access to education and healthcare, improving quality of life.

Regional Cooperation: Enhanced connectivity can strengthen ties with India and other neighboring countries, fostering regional collaboration.

10. Nepal

Current Status: Nepal's mountainous terrain presents significant challenges for infrastructure development. Connectivity remains a critical issue for economic development.

Benefits

Tourism Development: Improved transport links can enhance access to tourist sites, boosting the tourism sector.

Trade Facilitation: Better connectivity with India and China can enhance trade opportunities and economic growth.

Rural Development: Improved access to markets can support smallholder farmers and enhance livelihoods.

Conclusion

Improving connectivity in these Asian countries can lead to significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. By investing in infrastructure, these nations can foster regional cooperation, enhance trade, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Enhanced connectivity not only supports economic growth but also plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals, making it a priority for policymakers across the region.

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