By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan visited three leading American universities,the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and DePaul University to explore academic partnerships and expand opportunities in higher education, skills development, innovation, healthcare, entrepreneurship and leadership training for Pakistani youth.
During his visit to the University of Chicago, Rana Mashood met Associate Vice President for Global Initiatives and Strategy at UChicago Global Katie Hrinyak to discuss potential collaboration in digital skills, leadership development, entrepreneurship, career readiness and short term training programmes.
The PMYP chairman briefed university officials on the government’s youth empowerment agenda and flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing education, employability and entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis.
Both sides expressed interest in developing future partnerships to support youth development and educational cooperation. At the University of Illinois Chicago, Rana Mashood held meetings with Interim G. Stephen Irwin Executive Dean of the UIC College of Medicine Dr Enrico Benedetti and Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement Dr James Hammerschmidt.
He also toured the university’s Robotic Surgery Laboratory and received a briefing on advancements in robotic surgery, transplantation and healthcare technologies.
Discussions focused on collaboration in medical education, digital health, research, innovation and skills development, with both sides showing interest in strengthening academic linkages and capacity building initiatives.
At DePaul University, Rana Mashood met President Dr Robert L. Manuel and discussed cooperation in higher education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, online learning, mentorship programmes, academic exchanges and leadership development.
According to the press release, the PMYP chairman highlighted the growing academic relationship between Pakistan and DePaul University, noting that Pakistan has emerged as the university’s second largest source of international students and the largest source of international undergraduate students.
He said Pakistani student enrolment had increased from 93 students in the 2021-22 academic year to 221 students in 2025-26.
Rana Mashood also interacted with Pakistani students at DePaul University, praising their academic achievements and encouraging them to strengthen educational, professional and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United States.
The press release said the chairman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to forging international academic partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for young Pakistanis.
He said cooperation with leading global institutions in education, healthcare innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies was essential to equipping youth with globally competitive skills.
The visits reflected a shared commitment between PMYP and the three American universities to explore long term partnerships in academic excellence, research collaboration, innovation and youth empowerment, opening new avenues for Pakistani students and young professionals.
