Training starts: YMPs urged to work for a progressive, tolerant society

EU is funding the programme.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid has advised young parliamentarians to play their role in transforming Pakistan into a progressive, tolerant and pluralistic democratic state.

He said this while addressing the inaugural session of a training programme for a second cohort of Young Parliamentary Associates (YPAs) comprising 35 young graduates including 14 women that kicked off at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) here on Thursday, said a press release.

He also asked them to contribute to strengthening democratic institutions.

He said that the YPA programme offered a “win-win” situation. “On the one hand, the YPAs are expected to bring positive energy by utilising IT-based skills and a fresh perspective which will complement their experience, knowledge and political acumen that the institution has gathered over decades and in return, they will get the chance to work in one of the most prestigious institution,” the minister said.

The European Union-funded Improving Parliamentary Performance in Pakistan (IP3) project aims to provide assistance to both the parliamentarians and the secretariat staff in research, communications, coordination and other parliamentary functions.

The minister hoped that the YPAs will contribute to Pakistan’s strides towards democracy besides transforming the country into a progressive, tolerant and democratic state, as envisaged by the father of the nation.

He explained that Pakistan was passing through a critical juncture and the YPAs should understand that their role in assisting the MNAs in their work was very important.

Former MNA Yasmeen Rehman said the young parliamentarians have been selected through a rigorous progress. She advised the YPAs to engage proactively with the parliamentarians and the secretariat staff and contribute to strengthening the process. She also said that the parliamentarians in Pakistan do not get enough support to perform their legislative duties. She hoped that the YPAs will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the parliamentary process.

IP3 team leader Niamh O’Connor introduced the YPA programme to the audience.

The YPAs have been selected after a rigorous evaluation process, including test, interviews and group discussions from across Pakistan including Gilgit-Baltistan and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The first cohort of 33 YPAs is currently serving in Senate and the national assembly. They began their work in August last year and will complete their assignment in October 2014. During their tenure as YPAs they have conducted work such as providing research assistance to the parliamentarians and the secretariat staff, handling communications, recording minutes and helping with other tasks assigned to them.

The inaugural ceremony for the second group of YPAs was attended by parliamentarians, officials from the EU, civil society organisations and government officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2014.