Makkah / Madinah / Jeddah – 21–29 January 2026:
Islamabad – (Web Desk) – Pakistan participated prominently in the 11th edition of the “Holy Sites Journey” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its delegation led by Amsal Zaman, Deputy Director at the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The annual flagship program—organized by the Saudi Ministry of Sports in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States—brought together youth representatives from across more than 30 Muslim-majority countries.
The Pakistani delegation included Izat Ullah, National Youth Council Member, and Muhammad Arham Dar, Youth Delegate. The program’s core objective was to promote intercultural exchange, strengthen youth linkages across the Muslim world, and highlight the Kingdom’s extensive initiatives to serve pilgrims and empower young people.
During the closing ceremony in Jeddah, Amsal Zaman presented a souvenir to the Minister for Youth and the Secretary-General of the OIC on behalf of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman PMYP. On this occasion, Mr. Zaman:
Conveyed Pakistan’s appreciation to the Kingdom and OIC leadership
Reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the OIC Youth Strategy & Action Plan
Briefed officials on Pakistan’s landmark youth frameworks—the National Adolescent Youth Policy (NAYP), the National Youth Employment Policy (NYEP), and the E-Sports Policy
Requested an enhancement in OIC scholarship quotas for Pakistani students
He also held constructive discussions with youth heads from participating countries including Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Qatar, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Mozambique, and others to explore cooperation in education, skills development, sports initiatives, and employment-generation programs.
Extensive Visits Across Holy and Cultural Landmarks
Over nine days, delegates visited key religious, historical, and cultural sites in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
Highlights included:
Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
Kaaba Kiswa Factory and the Hira Cultural District
Makkah Clock Tower Museum
Prophet’s Biography Museum
Quba Mosque and Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa
King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran
Prophet’s Mosque Architecture Museum
In Jeddah, the delegates toured the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Red Sea Museum, Historic Al-Balad, and TeamLab Jeddah.
A major strategic engagement was the delegation’s visit to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where potential collaboration was discussed in areas including research exchange, scholarship opportunities, innovation ecosystems, and Pakistan–Saudi youth partnerships.
Engagement with the Arab League
On the sidelines of the program, the PMYP delegation also met with a representative of the Arab League to discuss avenues for mutual cooperation on youth development. It was agreed that a formal meeting between Chairman PMYP and the Ambassador of the Arab League will be held soon to advance a structured partnership.
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Pakistan’s Commitment to Global Youth Diplomacy
Pakistan’s active participation in the Holy Sites Journey underscores the country’s growing emphasis on youth diplomacy, intercultural engagement, and regional partnership-building. The visit reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to shaping collaborative opportunities for young people across the Muslim world and enhancing Pakistan’s role within multilateral youth platforms
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