LONDON, March 13: Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister of state for economic affairs, and Munizae Jahangir, a film producer and media professional, are among the 245 leading executives, public figures and intellectuals in the world to be recognised this year for their professional contributions and accomplishments in shaping the future of the world, a World Economic Forum press release issued here on Thursday said.

Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates across the world, the forum has selected 245 leading professionals as the Young Global Leaders for 2008. These young leaders have been acknowledged for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to influencing the future prospects of the world.

This year, Ms Khar, who was elected a member of the National Assembly on a PPP ticket, has been honoured as one of the Young Global Leaders for 2008. She has been acknowledged for her profound leadership quality in promoting innovative ideas and competitiveness in Pakistan.

Munizae Jahangir, daughter of human rights activist Asma Jahangir, is said to have made significant contribution to media reporting in conflict zones.

In 2007, the Young Global Leader award was given to Omar Ayub Khan, former minister of state for finance and ex-chairman of the Competitiveness Support Fund, for his contribution to the positive turn of the economy of Pakistan due to significant real domestic product growth.

Salman Iqbal, chief executive officer of ARY Digital, was also selected in 2007 as the Young Global Leader for creating pioneer-ship in Pakistani media and broadcasting.

The Young Global Leaders for 2008 include 121 business leaders, as well as leaders from government, academia, the media and society at large from 65 countries.

The new class represents all regions, including East Asia (64), Europe (58), the Middle East and North Africa (12), North America (45), South Asia (24), sub-Saharan Africa (21) and Latin America (21).

The young leaders were chosen by a selection committee of 31 eminent international media leaders, including Thomas H. Glocer, chief executive officer of Reuters; Arthur Sulzberger, chairman and publisher of The New York Times; Robert Thomson, publisher of Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal; and Hisashi Hieda, chairman and chief executive officer of Fuji Television Network. The committee is chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.