Soul stirring scenes were witnessed at the launching of Pakistan National Youth Service (PNYS) under the banner of International Association of National Youth (IANYS) at Pakistan’s premier Auditorium the Alhamra, Lahore on August 13th, 2003 at 7:30 PM. Over 600 people thronged the hall. They occupied all the available seats, lined the aisles and sat on the stairs. They applauded and cheered enthusiastically at every item which was presented. All the youth had come there to see the first concerted effort being made to ameliorate and improve their lot.

Professor Sallmaan Raffiq, PNYS volunteer, who is Professor of English as well as an international level compere, director and writer, hosted the Programme.

Perhaps no more finer and more heartening sight could be witnessed then, when 100 Youth both boys and girls resplendent in their sparkling white uniforms and blue caps exhibiting PNYS logos took the Oath to serve their communities.

These Youth volunteered their services for a period of one year. Great enthusiasm was seen among the other assembled Youth, who also wanted to take the Oath, and were invited by Mr. Ali Khan to join PNYS.

On this historic occasion a message from Mr. Donald Eberly, Honorary President of the International Association for National Youth Service and Honorary Advisor of Pakistan National Youth Service was read out. In the message he greeted all the members and told them that no matter what obstacles they may encounter on the road to their final goal, the aim of helping others as well as themselves is so important that it will one day usher in an era of peace and understanding that military armies have failed to accomplish.

Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, Member National Assembly speaking on the occasion said, “There is pressing need for such an initiative, because there is despair and hopelessness found among youth, which results in their rushing abroad, thus creating a brain drain in our country. I pledge my full support for this cause”.

Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi, noted philanthropist and social worker said, “This is an excellent initiative. Our human resource especially the youth which comprise almost 60% of the country are not being mobilized. I appreciate the efforts of PNYS volunteers for arranging such a wonderful function and inspiring other young people to become partners in such a noble cause.”

Dr. Faiza Asghar, Advisor to Chief Minister on Children Rights, speaking on the occasion said; “I congratulate Mr. Ali Khan for such a bold step for improving the lot of the Pakistani Youth. It is extremely rare to find such a gathering of Youth from all over the country, bursting with enthusiasm to do social work. Through this project of PNYS we can realize the aim of eradicating beggary and anti social activities from the society in which the youth were wont and sometimes forced to indulge. This massive Youth force can also be used to help the children who are being exploited or are under-priviledged. I pledge my full support for the realization of aims of the PNYS.”

A very thought provoking case study was also presented on the occasion where a youth shared the experiences of his personal life and the problems he encountered. He urged the people to support such initiatives so that other youth may not waste their lives in non-productive wok, addiction and misery. This case study created a deep impression upon the people and was an eye opener for many in the audience. The audience were filled with tears after listening to his experiences.

Mr. Yawar Irfan, President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries appreciated the initiative and said that he is solidly behind the project of the PNYS and whenever needed, he will go out to help in this noble and patriotic cause”.

Mr. Jahania Gardezi, Minister for Literacy and Non-formal Education shed light on the situation of how important literacy is for the development of the youth. He further said, “I will utilize this big force of PNYS volunteers in the current literacy programs of the government.”

Dr. Asghar, Advisor to Chief Minister on Health speaking on the occasion said, “I hereby endorse the PNYS project and express the desire that the momentum it has created should continue for a better and more prosperous Pakistan”.

Mr. Ali Haider, a famous and very popular entertainer said, “I am very happy to participate in such a useful and scintillating event. Whatever talents I can give for this cause, I gladly will do”.

Mr. Rana Ijaz, Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Human Rights and Law sent special message from USA for this programme “On this historic occasion, I must congratulate Mr. Ali Khan for his ceaseless efforts to make the dream of launching the Pakistan National Youth Service Project a reality. Mobilizing the untapped resources of millions of youth in Pakistan is a positive and creative development. May I hope that through this PNYS Network all the creative potential of the youth in the various fields will be brought out for the betterment of their country and the world community at large."

Thus with the launching of the Pakistan National Youth Service Project as Mr. Ali Khan pointed in his presentation, a new vision has come into being with the aim of regarding youth as a solution to problems and not as a problem itself; as a precious human resource and not as a burden upon the society; as active citizens and not as citizens in waiting; as partners in development and not as obstacles in development. We need Pakistan National Youth Service because of the amount of work to be done in our communities. Because we cannot even begin to think of stopping the ongoing degeneration in our society, unless we help to shape the civic-engagement behavior of tomorrow's adults. He added; "The PNYS Project is a highly professionally designed volunteerism initiative based on the core concept of "self reliance," where young people are first trained and then engaged in needs-based community work, for a pre-determined service-period." He also stated; "I am encouraged by the progress we have made. I know that we still have a long way to go. And I also know that a series of speeches or promises will never be enough. Our actions will have to be the compass by which we will be judged."