First Pakistani receives Global Young Leaders Award

Muhammad Waqas Nazar Tiwana received the award in a ceremony in Singapore.

ISLAMABAD: A youth parliamentarian has become the first Pakistani to receive the Global Young Leaders Award. Muhammad Waqas Nazar Tiwana, who is the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Youth Parliament, received the award in a ceremony held in Singapore on August 14 just before the International Youth Olympic Games 2010 started.

Tiwana also received the title of “Global Ambassador” by the Harvard Graduates International Presidential Scholars Council.

“This award is presented for meritorious achievements and the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship,” it read.

While addressing the participants Tiwana said, “I bow my head in humility to Almighty Allah” and termed it as a result of the support and prayers of his parents and elders, especially Pir Muhammad Naqibur Rehman.

Tiwana, will also represent Pakistan at the Global Model UN Summit in Malaysia and the Asia-African Youth Forum in Indonesia.

Besides scholars and academicians, the ceremony was attended by President of Harvard Foundation of Singapore Anthony Teo, Secretary Nangyang Technological University TAN Eng Chye, Deputy President and Provost of the National University of Singapore, former ASEAN Secretary General Rodolfo Severino, Chairman of the Institute of South East Asian Studies, Harvard graduates and officials of the Singapore government.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2010.