MUZAFFARABAD, Feb 14: A 3-day ‘National Youth Summit’ began here on Thursday evening under the aegis of two non-governmental organisations to build and enhance leadership capacity among the younger lot.

AJK President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan opened the summit, which is being attended by around 200 youngsters drawn from across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Participants lit candles on the occasion to pay homage to Afzal Guru, who was hanged by the Indian government.

Talking to reporters, Khawaja Owais of Valley Trekkers, one of the organizers of the event, said it was a unique leadership development programme that would bring together outstanding and focused youngsters from different segments of society to build critical leadership skills in an inclusive and global context.

Up to 20 per cent participation of students from far flung and poverty stricken districts of Pakistan had been ensured in the event, he said.

The summit would encompass twelve multi-dimensional sessions, to be addressed by leaders and role models from various professions, including politics, journalism and corporate sector, he said.

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed and some cabinet members were among the speakers at some of the sessions, he added.

Mr Owais told that the youth delegation would also visit the AJK Legislative Assembly to learn about the working of the legislature and executive in the region.

The summit will conclude with an endeavor to make a draft outline recommendations for a compatible youth policy for economic, political and socially empowered youth of Pakistan, to make them aware of their rights, privileges and responsibilities, he said.