Peshawar; July 17, 2025 –
CHEF International, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union (EU), and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), organized a provincial-level seminar under its Hum Pakistan initiative titled “Role of Youth in Fostering National Cohesion and Prosperity in Pakistan” at Serena Hotel, Peshawar.

The seminar served as the culmination of the “Hum Pakistan” initiative, a youth empowerment and peacebuilding program focusing on the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event brought together over 200 participants, including tribal youth, civil society leaders, media professionals, government officials, and international stakeholders.

The event began with a welcome address by Mr. Sohail Ayaz Khan, CEO of CHEF International, who stressed the urgency of investing in tribal youth to build a peaceful and cohesive society.

“Our youth are not just victims of conflict; they are the architects of peace. ‘Hum Pakistan’ has shown what is possible when trust, training, and opportunity converge,” he stated.

A short documentary titled “Hum Pakistan – A Journey of Hope” was screened, capturing powerful testimonials and peace journey with tribal youth. It was followed by the official launch of “Rahnuma-e-Naujawan”, a youth guidebook that offers practical tools for civic engagement, leadership development, and building resilience against violent extremism.
“This guidebook is more than words — it is a blueprint for young changemakers from tribal districts to lead their communities toward peace,” said Mr. Ghulam Murtaza, Project Director and co-author of the publication.

A thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Empowering Youth for National Cohesion: Education, Digital Literacy, and Inclusive Leadership” featured a diverse group of thought leaders:

• Rizwanullah Bajuri, NMDs youth activist
• Dr. Jamil Chitrali, Director, University of Peshawar
• Dr. Sawera Parkash, political leader
• Muhammad Saeed Wazir, Additional IG Balochistan
• Murtaza Mehsud, Tribal Youth Organization
• Muhammad Haseeb Khan, youth trainer

Moderated by Dr. Amir Raza, the panel examined the root causes of youth marginalization and emphasized the need for digital inclusion, equitable education, and localized leadership.

International and national partners expressed strong support for the initiative.

“Youth engagement is central to countering violent extremism. This initiative offers a powerful example of how youth can be partners in peace,” said Mr. Asad Nasarullah Khan, UNODC.
“We must go beyond slogans and empower youth with real platforms for participation,” remarked Mr. Taimur Khatak, NACTA.

Dr. Ayaz Khan, representing the KPCVE, praised the initiative for promoting social cohesion in fragile regions, while several youth participants shared personal journeys of transformation through the Hum Pakistan program.

The event concluded with a keynote address by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The youth of the tribal districts have waited too long for recognition. It’s time to center their voices in our development agenda. The government stands with them to ensure their energy becomes a force for national unity,” the Governor stated.

He commended CHEF International, the EU, UNODC, and NACTA for their collaborative effort in promoting peace and prosperity in historically marginalized regions.