Pakistani wins Commonwealth Youth Worker Award from Asia region

LONDON: Suleman Arshad, a disabled youth worker from Pakistan, has won the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award 2016 from Asia Region in recognition of his services for the empowerment of youth in Pakistan through sports.

The award was announced at a ceremony held at the Commonwealth Secretariat here but Mr Arshad was unable to attend the ceremony because he was unable to get British visa on time. But youth workers from every other Commonwealth country were able to attend the ceremony without any problems.

Suleman Arshad is the founder and the president of the Pakistan Para Climbing Club, the first club of its kind in Pakistan. Despite his visual impairment, Mr Arshad has been working to promote inclusive sports empowerment programmes in Pakistan and has not let the disability come into his way.


Suleman Arshad’s video message was played at the ceremony in which he thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat for recognising his work and efforts aimed at
empowering youth in Pakistan to create a positive impact on the society.

Mr Arshad added that the award was a great encouragement for him and would help him serve the youth with more vigour.

He said: “For those young people who did not have any sports opportunities, this club has not only empowered them but also provides them with opportunities which they did not have before, demolishing their negative image and creating a positive impact on society.

This award proves that I am doing something good. I feel very encouraged and I believe that this will tremendously improve my work. For me, it will remove hurdles and will also help me in achieving my milestones.”

Suleman Arshad was one of five outstanding youth workers recognised at the awards ceremony, which this year celebrated those using sport and the creative arts to inspire and support young people.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who presented the awards at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House, in London, stated: “I salute the hugely impressive recipients of these 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards.

They represent thousands of youth workers across the Commonwealth whose work to empower and engage our young people too often goes unsung and unrecognised. It is of immense and enduring value in building resilient communities and overcoming the economic and social divisions that create vulnerability – locally, national and globally.”