LAHORE: I only need the youth of Pakistan to bring change, not big names or big politicians, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday.
He was addressing the PTI Youth Convention in Lahore at the announcement of the PTI's youth policy.
Imran stressed that a huge young population will vote in the upcoming general elections and PTI needs them.
Bashing the free laptop scheme of the Punjab government, Imran said the politicians cannot buy the youth of Pakistan by distributing computers.
Sharing his ideas of what makes a great leader, Imran said a good leader must be fearless, selfless and always speak the truth.
“A coward can never be a leader,” he said, adding that the reason to admire Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Nelson Mandela is that they all worked towards a bigger goal rather than their personal gains.
Responding to criticism regarding politicians quitting PTI and joining other political parties, Imran said his party is not affected by who is leaving the party.
“We welcome anyone who wants to become a part of our party but whoever wants to join, will do so on our terms,” he said, adding that everyone is free to leave PTI.
He further emphasised that the only thing that will affect PTI will be its diversion from its agenda.
The PTI chairman also called on the youth to fight for their future and utilise the “God-given” chance to bring a change.
“This is not my war, I was blessed with more than what I asked for; this is your war and if you don’t struggle, the future is going to be dark,” he said.
PTI Youth Policy
As per the PTI Youth Policy, unveiled during the convention, the party will give 25 per cent of its tickets to its young members in the coming elections. “PTI will also finance their election campaign,” the policy stated.
The policy further revealed the party’s plan to form a youth parliament to train young people for leadership. “A parliamentary committee will take youth’s voice to the National Parliament,” the policy added.
The party also intends to establish National Youth Foundation (NYF) - an autonomous institution solely working for the youth. According to the policy, the NYF will take care of activities related to health, social life, entrepreneurship, art and culture.
On the local government front, PTI will reserve two seats for youth councillors – one male and one female representative. The youth councillors will work at the grass-root level and coordinate with the NYF for the execution of all the youth related projects, the PTI office bearers said while unveiling the policy.
The youth policy also announced that PTI will spend 5 per cent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education, which currently stands at 1.8 per cent. PTI, as per the policy, will promote distant learning in Pakistan and will have a uniform education system for both the rich and the poor. The policy also promises to create two million jobs for the youth every year.
Speaking during the convention, PTI youth leader Waqar Toor said the PTI youth policy revolves around Allama Iqbal’s concept of self-esteem.
COMMENTS (83)
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@Roger: The intent behind handing out free laptops was NOT encouraging excellence in academia. It was a one time political stunt to win over the youth in Punjab University only. Get your facts straight sir.
@Pakistani: "...Imran Khan shall be surely given a chance as he would InshaAllah do some good as he can do no more harm than what has already been done." . The point where the country has reached is not something to be trivialised by trying out one whose motivation seems to having the last chance in his life to grab another feather in his hat, not that other contenders have been any good.
The four youngters who presented the Youth Policy were Waqar Toor, Arsalan Ghumman, Amna, & Rao Hashim.
@Omer @Haider Hussain The Youth Policy was prepared by Insaf students Frederation and presented by 4 youngsters who are in their 20s. Mr. Waqar Toor and A Girl named Sadaf were among the presenters. Imran Khan, Javed Hashmi and Shah Mahmood had nothing to do with the Youth Policy. They were sitting as the chief guests of the event. Even the invitation passes of the event mention Imran Khan as the chief guest and not the presenter of the youth policy.
@Ch Allah Dad- As I said before, you know nothing. There were no empty seats in the Youth convention, in fact Imran Khan's relatives were sitting on the floor! Only those with the invitaion pass were allowed to enter. So the entire hall and seats were booked already. Many more people wanted to go but couldn't because they couldn't get a pass. I was there, i got my pass on the last day, the passes were finished and they said I couldn't get one. So I made a sad face there in the PTI office (haha) and they said they had some extra passes for the media people, who were expected to come. And they gave me 1 pass:)
@ Ch Allah Dad- Since you know nothing, the youth policy was prepared and presented by Insaf Students Frederation. It was presented by 4 youngsters who are in their 20s. Mr. Waqar Toor and a young girl named Sadaf and two other boys (i've forgotten their names) presented the whole Youth Policy. Mr. Hashmir or Shaha Mahmood Qureshi had nothing to the policy.
"I only need the youth of Pakistan to bring change, not big names or big politicians" Please try to understand what IK is saying here, there is a chance that at the last moment some big names might slip here and there, hurting PTI.. so simply the focus and the aim should not divert with big politicians.. stay focused on the “Change” and that can only be brought by YOUth of Pakistan.
The problem with pakistani youth is most of them are unrealistic and out of touch with ground realities.They are unaware of the complexity of the problems the country is faced with.Many youth consider IK as a messiah who will solve all problems through miracles which is a totally wrong thinking and likely to end up in disappointment and disillusionment.
Imran Tere Janisar. Beshumar Beshumar
Seasoned at doing what exactly?? @amanat:
"Thank you for calling us Youth..." - Joint Statement by Shah Mahmood Q., Javed Hashmi, J. Tareen, et. al.
Imran, you are not a good politician. You are not diplomatic. Many say you are arrogant. It is tough to be a politician and takes many years to learn to be one. All Pakistan needs is politicians and leaders who place Pakistan first. Wishing bad for present leaders and politicians is not right thing. Showing the right way to them is.
I wonder when Imran Khan will come out of his confused political state. He should better turn his party into a youth wing and attach it either to PPP or PML for better results.
Imran is setting himself up for credibility problem by making unrealistic claims. He is choosing the wrong words and exaggerating claims by using the work Tsunami more often than necessary. Please make HONEST and HUMANLY possible claims so that voters trust you and believe in you.
Empty seats in Youth convention?
Imran Khan insallah Pakistan going to vote you... Next PM of Pakistan
imran khan is idealist mullah who can only dream off events but in reality thats impossible to accomplish.. good luck imran khan for bringing change through democracy
LOL...@Ch. Allah Daad, and I have a bridge to sell you !!! What a naive, partisan comment. LOL again.
@The Only Normal Person Here.: "Tsunami delayed?" . You must be dying of expectations, all the destruction tsunami grande will cause!
Tsunami delayed?
So now when will PML(N) copy this youth policy given by PTI?
A.o.A. Some people wrote their that IK is providing support for PPP.I think those inocent people didn't read the results of Supreme Court Bar Association elections where PMLN greatly supported PPP candidate against PTI.We are enjoying terrorism,poverty,iliteracy,loadsheding,provincialism,unjustice,corruption due to all these corrupt leaders.Now,A hope is shown in form of Imran Khan.For God sake,dont lose this chance.If we miss this chance,we wil n't be able to survive.PMLN and PPP have invested milions in electronic media and print media for a compaign against PTI.Irfan Siddiqui,who was President Spokesman in Nawaz era,he is trying to be much loyal than king.Plz understand it and vote for Imran Khan
Imran Khan and his colleagues caught in ignorance: Having frequently referring to the "National", does he not know that the 'Youth Affairs' is a provincial subject according to 18th amendment to the Pakistani Constitution? What a disappointment.......
@Vaquas Alvi: aah a doubled edged comment. any ways they are welcome to stay as long as they by party rules. And in the case of Javed Hashmi u should know that baaghi is an inspiration for the members of PTI and is looked up to by then new and old guard alike.
We are proud of PTI leadership....................Imran Khan Zindabad....
Great Leader..............Imran Khan Zindabad....
Laptop scheme was absolutely a non political project and its only aim was to help outstanding students. Not a single student has come forward so far who would claim that any condition was attached wih laptops. Smart Politicians know that most of the youngesters do not quailify as voters and those who do are not interested in politics. Imran should take political lessons before making any statement.
omg an old man who played cricket swoon
He said it, its time for us Pakistanis to wake up: “This is not my war, I was blessed with more than what I asked for; this is your war and if you don’t struggle, the future is going to be dark”
GO AHEAD IMRAN KHAN WE SUPPORT YOU.
Good to see ET reported what was actually said at the convention and didn't twist facts and figures.
IK with all his weaknesses and shortcomings remains thousands of times better than the rest. No comparison!
ufff!!! i am not a supporter of PML N and neither of PTI.. but Immo please stop this leg pulling politics... you are doing such things quite long.. and most of the people are fed up of this now... and you are talking about youth, where is the youth... you already kicked them out for big names.. or may be according to you Qureshi, Qasori, Hashmi are still youngsters... fed of this nonsense and drama by you..
PTI only needs Pakistan's youth, not big politicians: Imran Khan
Now, where will all the 'Electables' go?
Has Shah Mehmood Qureshi packed his bags?
We are with you Imran...
"Angoor khatay hain" :) The grapes are sour !!
PTI leader Imran khan is right by saying that no one can buy youth by giving them Laptops.PMLN has started this scheme when they saw the rising popularity of PTI among youth.Furthermore why they are all doing this near election?.These traditional politicians use such gimmicks near election to attract more and more voters.It would have been better had they started such scheme in the beginning of their power if they are sincere with the people. Moreover Sharif brothers should give those tickets to the youth which they are going to give it to its family members in the coming elections.They should bring their family members under control as not to beat young workers(recent bakery incident) as it is the humiliation of all the youth of Pakistan
Laptop Nawaz da, vote imran da!
Vote for PTI.. Imran Khan Zindabad..! Only leader that can bring change in Pakistan..
@Dr Priyanka, the third comment on this post by Naeem answers your comment well..
Truth will prevail one day. Imran Khan all the way. It is time for every one to wake up to realities of this age. It is an opportunity after many years of corrupt rule and corrupt leadership.
Imran Khan we have enough of your lolly-pops...
We want a change we need a change you hear all these politicians about what they going to do and nothing happens but only fill there own pockets we dont want to see that any more we want a change and that is Imran khan so go on and vote for him if you want a better future.
Imran Khan is undoubtedly an honest person. He is against all sorts of corruption in the country. He has been trying to convince the people that he will change the destiny of Pakistan if voted into power but unfortunately he has not been able to make any headway so far between his utmost efforts due to various reasons. He has not been able to prove himself as a good organiser of his party. In the party there is only one man show. He has not been able even to decide bsic issues and has not been able to hold elections of office bearers of his party in the country. The persons who are aspiring for elections as MNAS and MPAS are either new and have no experience of politics as well elections or his candidates are unknown to the people. They have no contacts with the people. How can they win the elections? The party, as a whole, is disorganised There is no coherent between various functionaries of the party. They are all isolated and everybody is struggling to get ticket for elections. A few individuals, who have joined PTI after leaving their parent parties are undoubtedly experienced and will definitely win their seats due to their own influence in their area and not because of their party i.e.PTI. There is no use of gathering young people having no votes. Imran Khan will definitely get some seats from Punjab,KPK but what about Sind(Rural) and Baluchistan? On the contrary,Nawaz Sharif has experienced politicians and his party is highly organised in the entire country and he likely to get seats from all the provinces.His candidates are seasoned and influential in their areas.
IK Zindabad-no way back. Youth need to drag their elders to vote. The last lap starts soon so no room for laziness
Real leader with real love for pakistan
I had great respect for IK once upon a time. He is a pro Taliban and pro Qaida guy now. A dangerous guy for women and society.
What's the maximum age limit to be considered as youth..Sixty years?
He seems to have hidden alliance with PPP.There is nothing on which he opposes PPP.It's only a mild criticism here and there and everything indicates there is an understanding between PPP and Imran Khan.
Youth no more has trust on IK's tall claims after inclusion of landlords and award of party positions to them. IK stop making fool of your supporters, otherwise they will scold you on day of election. Youth is leaving PTI so now IK started giving them lolly pop again.
@ahmad: Perhaps you are referring to yourself?
@Naeem:
u should have seen livestreaming .. a young girl named Sadaf presented youth policy .. not imran khan ..
He and other oldies should vacate top positions of PTI. They are no more young themselves. Let Malala lead this young generation. Party of youth, lead by youth.
if you want to compare IK with other politicians just notice what others did and what IK has DONE before his govt.....This is the reason we love IK...
VOTE FOR PTI...
No more discussions needed.
Imran tere jaa'n nisar .. beshumar beshumar
But only since big politicians are running away form PTI.
Simple as that. Well said IK, we are with you. May Allah bless you, sir. I am sure Imran-bashers, haters or critics will at least agree with this statement.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Khursheed Mehmood Qasori, Javed Hashmi ... such politicians and names joined P.T.I. and Imran Khan welcome both hands them, in addition to it, he gave higher ranks in PTI. Den how Imran Khan can say "I only need the youth of Pakistan to bring change, not big names or big politicians" ??. Till words and actions not matches, no one can imagine angle and well wisher of Pakistan and difference between words and actions always express Topi Drama.Thx
the atmosphere was amazing.. it had glimpse of 30th october 2011
The picture you used is outdated.
Vote for IK! That's it!
What a callous statement, I suppose our students should not expect rewards for excellence in academia with Mr Khan in power. I thought the free laptop scheme was an excellent initiative, encouraging students to work harder and soar to new heights. For someone who believes he is looking at the "bigger picture," he is sadly deluding himself.
Most motivational and inspiring speech done by Imran Khan.He proved again he is the only true leader in Pakistan.
Respect!
Legharis, Tareens, Khans, Sardars, Hashmis, Qureshis, Niazis, Mengals, Chandios...feel sorry for you guys as IK has announced it clearly that he doesn't need them...So which party is going to get them now? IK has used the big names to create a stunt that everybody took note off and now when the purpose has been completed, just sidelining them....Good going...he has finally become a politician.
Go ahead IK, We are with U
"Taliban Khan" let a young girl to present its #PTIYouthPolicy
Within 9 hours of usurping power, PTI and Imran Khan will lead a legion of 90 million Pakistani youths into a stage of uber enlightenment, with 19 cabinet positions open to them.
A #PTI youth declares in #PTIYouthPolicy that even #ImranKhan's 'Sifarish" will not be accepted and that is in IK's presence! #Change