In a thrilling test of strategy, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is set to take on an extraordinary opponent—Pakistan’s Under-18 Chess Champion, Mehak Maqbool.
According to details, Mehak, a student at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School, emerged victorious in the National Youth Chess Championship (NYCC) 2025, held on Sunday by the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) and Karpov Chess Club (KCC).
The young chess prodigy from Karachi, with the potential to become Pakistan’s youngest grandmaster, will challenge Shah—a passionate chess enthusiast—in a friendly match at CM House this Saturday. Mehak’s school, a Sindh government institution adopted by Zindagi Trust, has been instrumental in nurturing talented students like her.
This game is more than just a chess match—it’s a celebration of government school students’ potential and the power of critical thinking. Will CM Shah, a member of the International Chess Federation since 1992, outmaneuver the rising star, or will Mehak claim victory and steal the spotlight?
The pieces are in place—the match is about to begin! The NYCC 2025, conducted under International Chess Federation regulations, serves as the official selection tournament for Pakistan’s national youth team.
The tournament champions included:
- Mehak Maqbool – 1st place (U-18, SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School, adopted by Zindagi Trust)
- Yamna Siddiqui – 2nd place (U-14, Govt SMB Fatima Jinnah School)
- Alina Siddiqui – 3rd place (U-12, Govt SMB Fatima Jinnah School)
