Islamabad (GNP): A high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) between the Shahid Afridi Foundation and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, chaired by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, regarding the promotion of cricket and youth engagement.
National cricketer Shahid khan Afridi and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan attended the meeting along with their respective teams, both in person as well as virtually.
Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan congratulated national cricketer Shahid Afridi on being awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz at the Presidential Awards ceremony in recognition of his services to cricket and his contributions to sports and social work.
During the meeting, it was decided that a “Bunyan-ul-Marsoos” cricket match will be organized by collboration of the Shahid Afridi Foundation and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
The match will be played between young players selected through the Prime Minister’s Youth Talent Hunt and well-known celebrities.
The event will pay tribute to the heroes of Bunyan-ul-Marsoos and encourage youth participation in positive activities.
The match will be held in Islamabad around Eid-ul-Adha.
Shahid Afridi stated that he was happy to be part of this initiative with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and appreciated its efforts for youth development.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan highlighted that the cricket match will help encourage young people to take part in positive activities and further promote sports in the country.
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A Match Beyond Cricket: Tribute, Talent and National Pride
The Bunyan-ul-Marsoos cricket match represents far more than just a sporting event; it is a symbol of national unity, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the Pakistani people. By naming the match after Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, the organizers have made a conscious effort to connect the energy and enthusiasm of cricket with the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, reminding the nation’s youth of the price paid for their safety and freedom.
The timing of the event, around Eid-ul-Adha, adds further significance. Eid is a time of togetherness, reflection and community, and hosting such a high-profile cricket match during this period ensures maximum public engagement and a festive atmosphere that will resonate with families and young people across the country. Islamabad, as the capital, provides the perfect stage for an event of this national importance.
The role of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in this initiative cannot be overstated. The Programme has consistently worked to channel the potential of Pakistan’s vast young population into productive and meaningful pursuits. By incorporating cricket, the country’s most beloved sport, into its Youth Talent Hunt initiative, it creates a direct pathway for talented youngsters from all walks of life to showcase their abilities on a prominent platform, potentially opening doors to professional opportunities they may never have had otherwise.
Shahid Afridi’s involvement is a major boost for the initiative. As one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers and a tireless social worker through his foundation, Afridi embodies the values this event seeks to promote: dedication, service, and love for the country. His recent recognition with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan is a testament to a career and life spent giving back to the nation, both on and off the pitch. His presence alone will motivate countless young players to dream bigger and work harder.
Ultimately, this collaboration between the Shahid Afridi Foundation and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme sets a commendable example of how public institutions and prominent individuals can join forces for the greater good. It demonstrates that cricket in Pakistan is not merely a game, but a powerful tool for nation-building, social cohesion and the nurturing of future generations. As the nation looks forward to the match, the hope is that it will spark a long-term movement that keeps Pakistan’s youth engaged, inspired and proud of their identity.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
