Before criticising the politicians, there is a need to understand the system in which they operate. Only with a strong political culture, will come a positive change in the way they operate. These were the words of the youth parliamentarian, Aliva Rauf, as she spoke about the inaugural session of the fourth Youth Parliament of Pakistan (YPP).
The event was held at a local hotel here on Thursday, which was attended by over 500 youth from all over the country.
To guide the young minds and nurture their knowledge about the political process, various public figures spoke at the event. They also took note of young people’s views on democracy and mechanisms to ensure sustainable energy.
The session began by paying a tribute to the six youth parliament members who were killed in an air crash on July 28, 2010. They included Hasan Javed Khan, Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi, Prem Chand, Bilal Nasir Jamaee, Owais Bin Laiq and Syed Arsalan Ahmed.
Addressing the participants, Member Steering Committee of the Youth Parliament and Member National Assembly (MNA) Khurram Dastgir Khan said Pakistanis have to move away from stereotypes in politics and understand that the parliament is composed of different ethnicities, cultures and interpretations.
He urged the Youth Parliament to respect diversity and pluralism in the country.
“It is inspiring when youth display hope as it gives hope to others,” said Anusha Rehman Khan, another MNA.
She advised the parliamentarians to focus beyond constitutional and legal issues, such as electoral reforms.
The fourth parliament is supported by the Danish International Development Agency and British donors. Addressing to parliamentarians, Ambassador of Denmark Uffe Wolffhechel said people in Pakistan are willing to change, which is a positive sign and Denmark will help Pakistan to achieve the direction it chooses for itself.
He urged youth parliamentarians to “go out there and make a change.”
Youth Parliament Steering Committee Chairman Senator S M Zafar also spoke on the occasion and stressed on the importance of education in Pakistan.
“I’m glad to see that the youth sees the importance of education, as it makes conscientious citizens and good politicians, which will ultimately lead to a better Pakistan,” he said.
Umair Naeem, a telecommunication engineer from Karachi, said, “YPP is a great way to communicate our creativity and innovation to individuals on a higher level who can implement and influence change.”
He called for looking at alternative resources for the energy crisis, saying that a note should be taken from solar panel farms in Spain and electricity generation by wind in Netherlands.
He suggested Jamshoro in Sindh as a perfect place for such projects, as it has ample amounts of both-sunlight and wind.
YPP, launched by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency in 2007, aims to engage youth in Pakistan in healthy discourse and expose them to the democratic process and practices. It focuses on the youth their awareness in education and training in the norms of politics and democracy in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2012.
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