In a significant step towards advancing Pakistan’s digital economy and strengthening youth-driven innovation, young leader and fintech advocate Ibtisam Babar has been officially appointed as the Focal Person to the Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP) Fintech Division under the Prime Minister’s Digital and Cashless Pakistan Initiative.
The official appointment letter was formally handed over by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP), during a special meeting focused on empowering youth through technology, innovation, and financial inclusion.
Under this important national role, Ibtisam Babar will lead the PMYP Fintech Division with a strategic focus on accelerating youth financial inclusion, promoting digital payment systems, supporting fintech policy reforms, and enabling the transformation of higher education institutions into digitally integrated and cashless ecosystems across Pakistan.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Prime Minister’s Digital and Cashless Pakistan agenda, aimed at creating a technology-enabled economy where youth become key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable digital transformation.
As Focal Person to the PMYP Fintech Division, Ibtisam Babar will work closely with stakeholders from academia, innovation ecosystems, fintech sectors, and youth communities to create opportunities that enhance digital accessibility, financial empowerment, and nationwide youth engagement.
Recognized nationally for his leadership and impact-driven initiatives, Ibtisam Babar has emerged as one of Pakistan’s prominent young voices in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development. Over the years, he has played an instrumental role in connecting students, startups, universities, and policy-level platforms to create opportunities for youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
His work has focused extensively on strengthening startup ecosystems, promoting innovation-led communities, encouraging leadership among students, and driving initiatives related to digital transformation and financial inclusion. Through various national initiatives and youth-focused platforms, he has contributed toward building collaborative ecosystems that empower young entrepreneurs and aspiring changemakers across Pakistan.
Ibtisam Babar’s contributions have earned him several prestigious recognitions, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Future Leader of the Year, inclusion among the 100 Young Leaders of Pakistan, and recognition in Connected Pakistan 30 Under 30. He has also represented Pakistan at multiple national and international forums focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and technology-driven development.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan stated: “Pakistan’s youth are the driving force behind the country’s digital future. Ibtisam Babar represents a new generation of visionary leaders who understand innovation, community impact, and the power of technology to transform lives. His appointment to lead the PMYP Fintech Division reflects our commitment to empowering young minds under the Prime Minister’s vision of a Digital and Cashless Pakistan. We are confident that his leadership will help accelerate financial inclusion, digital adoption, and youth engagement at a national level.”
On this occasion, newly-appointed PMYP focalperson Ibtisam Babar said: “I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by the Prime Minister Youth Programme leadership. This responsibility is not just an appointment, but a mission to empower Pakistan’s youth through fintech, innovation, and digital accessibility. Our vision is to build a financially inclusive, digitally connected, and cashless Pakistan where every young individual has access to opportunities, technology, and economic empowerment. I look forward to working with institutions, innovators, and communities across the country to turn this vision into reality.”
The appointment by the PMYP marks another important milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward building a future-ready digital economy powered by innovation, youth leadership, and inclusive technological advancement.
Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi is a senior journalist, analyst and researcher based in Islamabad.
