Pakistan envoy hosts future women leaders

Pakistan's ambassador to Qatar Syed Ahsan Raza Shah hosted participants of the inaugural US-Pakistan ‘Future of Women in Energy Scholars Programme’ at the embassy of Pakistan in Doha Wednesday.The group comprising 17 university students of Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment studies, chosen from across Pakistan, took part in an interactive session at the embassy. Coming from diverse backgrounds, the future women leaders of Pakistan shared their journeys and experiences, as well as their aspirations of making a mark not only in the national but also in the global energy market. They also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study energy issues and infrastructure in Qatar, and experience its rich culture, the embassy said in a statement.The ambassador also hailed the partnership between Pakistan, US and Qatar to promote women's participation, education and foster leadership skills in the critical sector of energy where traditionally women are under-represented. Syed Ahsan Raza Shah speaking on the occasionEmphasising the need for innovation and research in energy studies, especially during the ongoing global energy crisis, he appreciated the utility of the programme co-sponsored by US Department of State, Energy, USAID and Texas A&M University. He also stressed the importance of the role women play in the economic and social progress of nations and said it was "heartening to see the tremendous potential of our future women leaders".Almost at the end of the first leg of their four-week certification programme, the students would soon be returning to Pakistan. During the second half of their course, in Lahore and Islamabad, they would engage with key Pakistani public and private sector organisations to learn more about Pakistan’s energy sector.