PESHAWAR:
In efforts to bring “real change” in Pakistani politics, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will assign its youth candidates at least 25% representation in the next general election.
Addressing an annual Insaf Students Federation (ISF) convention, PTI chairman Imran Khan said on Thursday that members under the age of 35 would be given at least a quarter of the party’s representation.
“We are going to build a new Pakistan, where a poor man’s son can also become prime minister of the country. The era of Zardari and Nawaz has come to an end and when the time comes we will make them accountable for each penny they have shifted abroad,” said Imran.
More than 5,000 students from various colleges and universities participated in the convention held in the provincial metropolis.
Imran, while addressing the students, said PTI had provided a platform for the underprivileged youth of the country, adding that anyone could contest in the intra-party elections.
“In other political parties, if your family name lacks Sharif or Bhutto you will never be given a leadership role in politics. Only PTI will give you such an opportunity.”
The chairman of PTI, which currently has no representation in parliament, accused the leaders of major political parties of looting and plundering national wealth and investing in foreign countries.
“Once we come into power, we will ask from Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Asfandyar Wali and Fazlur Rahman how they accumulated their wealth.”
Solution to Militancy
“PTI will abolish the colonial black law—Frontiers Crime Regulations—in tribal areas,” said Imran on Thursday, providing a solution that in his mind would help end militancy in the country.
Imran added that if his party came to power they would build a new relation with the tribal people and implement a local government system in the tribal areas which protects the traditions and cultural values of tribesmen.
Student politics
Imran also reiterated his party’s stance on implementing a uniform education system throughout the country.
“The rich man’s son and poor man’s son will study the same syllabus,” said the PTI chief, adding that his party will work to eradicate the gun culture amongst the youth.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2012.
COMMENTS (21)
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ik is incoming hero
I too agree KPK youth is more ideological than Punjab's.
Imran Khan in my town and we are his pride supporters. I am sure that PTI will give youth a big chance and will bring talent to the forefront. It is only party that can bring change of system and political culture.
My family and myself are voters of PTI and will also bring our friends to the polling station.
I guess you did not understand @salman k comment.
He meant to say that KPK youth are more likely to vote on the basis of ideology and principle instead of their clan /baradari. That's a complement for KPK youth!
Our quest for change, even if it doesn't end up changing things drastically, is worth embarking upon (for a change). That's why I will join the bandwagon of a hopeful change when the time comes this E-DAY. Dream of change because every big idea started out as someone's crazy dream!
@salman k: It did sound harsh considering the fact that the brains behind all the terrorism related activities comes from Punjab. Besides that there is need to invest more in education and infrastructure in KPK than in Punjab to give the KPK youth a stake in Pakistan. During 60s, your ancestors used to say similar things about the Bengalis. And now you say the same about youth of another province, KPK and even about the youth in Balochistan. Wake up buddy!
“We are going to build a new Pakistan, where a poor man’s son can also become prime minister of the country But nobody can become prime minister from minorities.Should not even think about that in Khan's ideaology.
@Zain: You might be confusing internal party elections and the process of awarding tickets for general elections next year. 25% quota mentioned by IK applies to award of tickets for general elections. These ticket nominations in return will be based on recommendations of leadership selected through internal party elections. Hope that explains the relationship between two processes.
That has to be the smallest 5000 I've ever seen.
Imran has said multiple times that members will select candidates through democratic method like primaries in US. Then he says 25% candidates will be young.
How will it be? Local members will elect their candidate or Imran and top leadership will?
big numbers although he was not in university laptop distribution party where university management make sure maximum students sit in there and i agree KPK youth is more ideological BTW i am Punjabi.
the only ray of hope for future of Pakistan.
@salman k:
Yes that is why KP has all the problems related to terrorism, KP youth need to look into this matter that why so many people in their province blindly vote terrorist uneducated so-called molvies like Fazal ur rehman.
Now this is change. Keep it up PTI
KPK may be conservative socially but politically they are progressive and don't believe in this baradari system on the voting day.
Khan Sb!! You are our last hope.
not 5000 more than 10 thousand students
PTI all the way .. !
it may sound harsh but in my opinion kpk youth are more ideological than punjab youth