Lahore (Qasim Ali)
The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, Walled City Authority, and Clean Lahore, hosted a high-level delegation from the French Embassy for a prestigious Dignity Dinner at the iconic Lahore Fort. This special event was a testament to the growing international cooperation in youth development, education, and skills building under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The dinner, held in the backdrop of Lahore’s rich cultural heritage, was an opportunity to celebrate the strengthening partnerships between Pakistan and France in fostering global youth empowerment. Mr. Rizwan Anwar, Special Representative to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, formally welcomed the French delegation. In his address, he emphasized the programme’s unwavering commitment to youth engagement, student development, and building international linkages. He highlighted how, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, the programme is enabling young people to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. Among the esteemed attendees was Mr. Habib Anwar, Honorary Consul of France, and Ms. Sabine Vermillard, Higher Education and Scientific Attaché of the French Embassy, who expressed deep appreciation to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Government of Punjab, and the Walled City Authority for their gracious hospitality. They commended the collective efforts in promoting youth empowerment through education and skills development. French Higher Education Institutions Participating: Representatives from leading French universities and institutions were in attendance, including: Université Paris Est Créteil Nantes Université KEDGE EM Strasbourg Business School Rennes School of Business IESEG ESCP ISC Paris Paris School of Business Y SCHOOLS IMT Atlantique ESTP EPITA EPITECH Ms. Maha Jamil, Special Representative to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, took the opportunity to distribute commemorative souvenirs to the French delegates, marking the enduring bond between Pakistan and France in youth development and educational exchange. The event was further graced by the presence of Mr. Asfand Yar Naseer from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Mr. Awais, Mr. Hamza Ali Batth, Ms. Mathilde, Mr. Fabrice, Mr. Nouman Maqbool from the Punjab Higher Education Commission, and Mr. Usman Bhatti. This collaborative dinner symbolizes the ever-strengthening ties between Pakistan and French institutions, aimed at offering new opportunities for growth, education, and skill development to the youth of Pakistan.