Empowerment: Youth participation in politics sought

‘Ban on student unions affecting political participation’

LAHORE: The ban on student unions is a major hindrance in active participation of the youth in the political process, participants of a policy dialogue on the topic: Civil Society’s Role in Strengthening Democracy in Pakistan said on Tuesday.

The dialogue was a part of the 6th National Youth Peace Festival organised by Chanan Development Association (CDA) in collaboration with various non-government organisations working for youth empowerment.

Representatives from Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, the Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan attended the event.

Several young participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the opportunities available to them to participate in the political process.

Sana Khan, a student at Quaid-i-Azam Law College, Lahore, said that democracy in Pakistan was often described as a dictatorship of the elite. “Will young people from humble backgrounds ever be able to become a part of the setup?” she asked.

“Most people here agree that Pakistan has bad governance these days,” Rizwan Jaffer, the Youth Parliament chairman, said. He said some people used this to argue in support of dictatorship. “A dictatorship is not the solution. We need to let democracy continue. We need to start voting on the basis of policies, manifestoes and performance,” he said.

Jaffer said that as a member of the civil society, he had tried to address the lack of student unions by forming the youth parliament. “The youth should align themselves with political parties to become a part of the political process. Choose whichever party you want and become a member. This will allow you eventually to participate in local government elections,” he said.

Sabiha Shaheen, the Bargad executive director, warned the participants of the dangers of preferring dictatorship over democracy. “This is a very dangerous way of thinking. The civil society comprises all individuals working outside the government. It raises its voice on issues of equality, justice and rule of law,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2015.