The Pakistan Squash Federation launched a new development initiative in collaboration with Squash Australia and Sport Matters, on Friday, at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.

The Squash Classroom is a development project that will use squash to promote health, gender equality and education for youth in Pakistan.

Seventeen youth leaders and mentors were present at the launch to introduce basic squash skills and demonstrate some of the learning activities that youth and primary school students around the country will engage in.

Youth Leader from Peshawar, Noorena Shams, emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for youth leadership and the value of linking education and sport together.

“Through this program the Pakistan Squash Federation and Squash Australia are enabling us to empower our pens through our rackets and give importance to physical education too,” Shams said.

The program will begin in April in Pakistan's four major cities and reach over 600 young people aged between 18 and 25 this year.

Three squash legends Jahangir Khan, Maria Toorpakai and Farhan Mehboob are also supporting The Squash Classroom as program ambassadors.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner in Pakistan, Jurek Juszcyk was present at the launch along with Jackie Lauff, CEO of Sport Matters from Australia, Group Captain Amir Nawaz, Secretary of the Pakistan Squash Federation, and Wing Commander Tahir Sultan, incoming Secretary of the Pakistan Squash Federation.