PACT Mentorship Programme Launched to Strengthen Pakistan-US Educational Ties

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Pak American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (PACCC) has launched the PACT Mentorship Programme to strengthen educational and professional ties between Pakistan and the United States by connecting Pakistani-American youth with Pakistan’s educational institutions, culture and local students.

The initiative aims to provide young people with mentorship, practical guidance and greater exposure to educational and professional opportunities, while encouraging stronger connections between Pakistani-American communities and their ancestral homeland.

Speaking at the launch event, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasised the importance of timely guidance, hard work and practical experience in helping young people make informed career choices and prepare for future leadership roles.

He said students often faced challenges in choosing careers, developing their personalities and adjusting to the demands of professional life. Effective mentorship, he added, could help them identify their strengths, build confidence and plan their futures more effectively.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stressed that learning from the experiences and struggles of successful individuals could help young people better understand real-world challenges and make informed decisions. He urged students to strengthen their communication skills, embrace modern technology and pursue continuous learning, while upholding honesty, responsibility and respect for others.

The minister also highlighted the role of Pakistani-American businesspeople and professionals in supporting youth development. He said stronger educational links between the two countries could broaden students’ perspectives, promote knowledge-sharing and create opportunities for academic and professional collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of the chamber, Naveed Anwar Chaudhry said the PACT Mentorship Programme was designed to offer young people guidance, training and opportunities to develop a closer connection with Pakistan.

He said Pakistani-American youth maintained strong links with their ancestral homeland and were interested in learning more about its culture, educational institutions and society. The chamber, he added, was working to create opportunities for them in education, business and economic development.

Naveed Anwar Chaudhry said a delegation of Pakistani-origin students studying at various American universities was expected to visit Pakistan next summer. The proposed visit would provide an opportunity for the students to interact with their Pakistani counterparts, establish academic connections and gain first-hand exposure to the country’s educational and cultural environment.

He emphasised that government support would be important for the programme’s effective implementation. While Pakistani youth possessed considerable talent, he said, they needed greater access to mentorship, professional opportunities and international exposure to realise their full potential.

He added that chambers of commerce could play a broader role beyond trade and investment by contributing to professional development, leadership training and youth empowerment. He invited universities, business leaders and experienced professionals to join the initiative and help prepare young people for future challenges.

The event also highlighted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, educational establishments, business organisations and professionals in promoting educational, cultural and economic links between Pakistan and the United States.

The speakers expressed confidence that sustained collaboration through initiatives such as PACT would help young people benefit from shared knowledge, cross-cultural engagement and stronger academic and professional networks.

The event was attended by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who underscored the importance of mentorship and institutional support in preparing young people for future opportunities and responsibilities.