Thousands Of Youngster Converge In Abbottabad For Technology, Entrepreneurship Summit

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026) Thousands of students and young professionals from different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa converged in Abbottabad for a large-scale youth summit featuring discussions on technology, entrepreneurship, education, public services and emerging career opportunities. The ninth Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit was hosted at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, with participation from government representatives, academics, entrepreneurs, technology experts, business professionals and students. Metrix Pakistan organised the summit in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, District Administration Abbottabad and District Youth Office Abbottabad. The programme provided participants with access to sessions and workshops covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, digital marketing, digital media and entrepreneurship. Student projects, startup ideas and technology-based initiatives were also presented during the event. Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Capt (retd) Sarmad Saleem Akram attended the summit as chief guest. He said knowledge of modern science and technology was becoming increasingly relevant to young people as businesses and workplaces adopted digital tools. He also examined the potential of youth-led projects to address community-level challenges, noting that access to appropriate guidance and institutional opportunities could help students develop practical solutions. Technology in public administration was discussed by Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad Afrasyab Zubair Hundal, who briefed participants about the proposed Khidmatguzaar application. The digital initiative is designed to provide citizens with easier access to government services and improve communication with public offices. District Police Officer Haroon Rashid Khan highlighted the use of technology in law enforcement and public safety. His session included discussion of digital crime mapping, emergency response, child protection, traffic management and cybercrime. For many participants, the summit also provided an opportunity to understand how technological skills translate into employment and business opportunities. Industry professionals discussed changing market requirements and the skills increasingly sought by technology companies, digital businesses and online service providers. Young entrepreneurs participated in a startup pitching session, presenting their business ideas to industry representatives. The exercise exposed student founders to product presentation, business communication, market assessment and potential investment and partnership opportunities. A student exhibition formed another major component of the event, with participants displaying projects and initiatives and engaging with academics, companies and technology professionals. District Youth Officer Bushra Masroor said platforms bringing together students and professionals could help young people develop networks and gain greater awareness of career and entrepreneurial opportunities. She was also presented with an Excellence Award for her work relating to youth engagement and women's empowerment. COMSATS Abbottabad Dean of the Faculty of Sciences Prof Dr Jamshed Iqbal, recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, and Ghias Shah participated in the event, representing the university's academic leadership. More than 15 speakers and industry representatives took part in the sessions, including Qaisar Akash Khan, Ammad Ali, Founder and CEO of RankingGrow, Waqar Ali, CEO of Zarar TV, Kashif Ali, CEO of TechKhwa, Dr Faiza Nawaz of Hazara University Mansehra and Muhammad Junaid Iqbal. Rizwan, Community Manager of Binance Pakistan, conducted a Binance academy workshop focusing on blockchain education and developments in the digital sector. The summit also included recognition of individuals from healthcare, academia, welfare, medicine and the arts. Ashfaq Ahmad of Swabi was recognised for establishing an emergency orthopaedic, sports and spine centre in Topi. Dr Faisal Khan of COMSATS Abbottabad was recognised for his research record and more than 157 publications, while Shakeel Ahmed Tanoli received recognition for welfare initiatives associated with the Tanawal Welfare Organisation. Dr Shah Khalid of Battagram was recognised for his contribution to neurosurgery and specialised medical services in the Hazara region, while Adam Khan was recognised for his contributions to the arts. Content Creator Awards were also presented to digital creators from different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their work in digital media and regional storytelling. The summit ended with discussions on the growing importance of cooperation among universities, government institutions and the private sector in preparing young people for technology-driven employment and entrepreneurship.