Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Prime Minister’s Media Coordinator Badr Shahbaz Warraich on Saturday congratulated PMYP Focal Person Fahad Shahbaz on being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list, hailing the achievement as a proud moment for Pakistan and its youth.
In separate messages posted on the social media platform X, the leaders praised Fahad Shahbaz’s inclusion in the prestigious global ranking, recognizing his contributions to youth empowerment and social impact.
They said the achievement reflected the growing influence of Pakistani youth on the international stage and showcased the country’s emerging leadership talent.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the recognition as highly encouraging, saying it was a matter of pride to see young Pakistanis earning international acclaim through their talent, dedication and hard work.
Tarar further noted that Fahad Shahbaz possessed diverse abilities and had consistently demonstrated exceptional performance across various platforms.
The minister extended his the best wishes and encouraged him to continue striving for excellence.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja congratulated Fahad Shahbaz and said his services through the Youth General Assembly and his diverse professional experience had made a significant contribution to youth development in Pakistan.
Khawaja termed the recognition a testament to his commitment, leadership and capabilities.
PMYP Chairman, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan also congratulated Fahad Shahbaz, noting that as the only Pakistani selected in the Social Impact category of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026, his achievement was a source of pride for both Pakistan and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
Rana Mashhood expressed confidence that Fahad would continue promoting youth empowerment and driving positive change.
Prime Minister’s Media Coordinator, Badr Shahbaz Warraich said Fahad Shahbaz would continue to play an important role in mentoring young people and advancing constructive initiatives for the country’s future.
When Fahad Shahbaz founded the Youth General Assembly in 2015, he was eighteen years old and working with a simple but powerful idea: that young Pakistanis deserved a real seat in the conversations that shaped their country.
A decade later, Forbes has recognised him on its 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list in the Social Impact category, placing him among the most influential young leaders across Asia.
The Youth General Assembly, which Fahad built from the ground up, now runs as a national platform modelled on Pakistan’s National Assembly and the UK Parliament. Each year, a 96-member assembly of young Pakistanis comes together to debate public policy and produce concrete recommendations for the government. It is not symbolic participation. It is structured, serious and consequential.
Beyond youth governance, Fahad is Managing Partner at Rehnuma Law, where he advises government bodies and senior leadership on legal, legislative and policy matters. His practice sits at the intersection of law and public policy, focused on legal reform and institutional development in Pakistan.
He holds an LL.M. and has studied at the Hague Academy of International Law, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, academic institutions that reflect a consistent commitment to governance and policy at the highest level.
As Focal Person at the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Government of Pakistan, Fahad works directly on youth empowerment initiatives and public sector innovation. He is also a recipient of the Diana Award and has represented Pakistan at international platforms including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Commonwealth, OIC, SCO and BRICS.
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia selects 300 young leaders from thousands of nominations across the Asia-Pacific every year. Fahad is believed to be the first Pakistani to hold both the Diana Award and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, two of the most significant international youth recognitions in the world.
For Fahad Shahbaz, this recognition is not a destination. It is, as it has always been, a platform to do more.