Islamabad, March 29: "Pakistani police should be enabled to conduct large scale operations such as the one in Karachi without the help of the military or para-military forces. These should not have the special nomenclature of 'operation' as this falls within the usual mandate of the police. Furthermore, such actions should not be labeled as being undertaken on particular groups but rather only against criminals," said Dr. Shoaib Suddle, former I.G. Sindh/Senior Analyst addressing at the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the topic Law & Order and Karachi Operation.

Dr. Suddle briefed the Members of Youth Parliament about the particular history of the operations in Karachi conducted by the military as well as the police. The deployment of the military and paramilitary forces in cities for extended periods of time is an unfair practice as this is not what these forces have been formed to execute. The current amount of funds being disbursed to the police is enough for them to deliver. Though the management of police is a provincial subject, there should nonetheless be standardization of police law across the country

Addressing a question on how to improve the police, he suggested five basic and inexpensive steps for police reforms:
i. Merit based inductions
ii. Good and mandatory training
iii. Specialization
iv. Performance related incentives and disincentives

Citing a dismal conviction rate of under 10% and the deaths of 250 police officials in past year, he said that there is no one to account for the lives lost and that this is a strong disincentive for the performance of the police. Long work hours, poor health facilities and lack of regular training have also been a contributing factor to an inefficient force.

He said that politicization of police has destroyed the sector. Rule of law is needed across the board. If a charter is to be signed by all political parties of Pakistan it should be on rule of law and punishment of criminals regardless of where they come from.

He further said that the quality of life is linked to the quality of justice. In addition to the betterment of the police, every individual should do their part and contribute by watching the neighbour and reporting suspicious activities.

As has been the practice with previous Youth Parliaments, the Secretariat facilitated the formation and election for the 6th Youth Parliament Alumni Association (YPAA). The purpose of the YPAA is:

i. To create a forum for linking former and current MYPs so that they may collectively work for strengthening democracy in Pakistan.
ii. To encourage greater and more effective participation of Pakistani Youth in the democratic process.
iii. To help future Youth Parliaments and MYPs in achieving their full potential by mentoring, sharing experience, publicity and advice.

The following candidates were successfully elected to the Executive Committee of the 6th YPAA:
i. Ms. Maria Malik (YP35-PUNJAB16) for the post of President
ii. Ms. Shazia Batool Hazara (YP06-BALOCHISTAN04) for the post of Vice President (Balochistan and GB)
iii. Mr. Muhammad Akbar Khan (YP16-KP04) for the post of Vice President (KP &FATA)
iv. Mr. Ali Izhar Bajwa (YP22-PUNAJB04) for the post of Vice President (Punjab & ICT)
v. Mr. Irshad Ahmed (YP53-SINDH06) for the post of Vice President (Sindh & AJK)
vi. Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan (YP17-KP15) for the post of Secretary General
vii. Ms. Amna Saeed (YP25-PUNJAB06) for the post of Finance Secretary

Earlier in the day, Mr. Ali Izhar Bajwa (YP22-PUNJAB03) presented a Bill on the Amendment in Civil Servants Act 1973 in the House. It aimed at improving the legislation to bring it in accordance with the international standards. A Code emphasizing the impartiality and objectivity in the conduct of civil servants was proposed. The arbitrary removal of the civil servants other than in cases of criminal, disciplinary and gross misconduct was outlawed by proposing the repealing of certain sections of the original act. The establishment of a 'Selection Board' that would shortlist the possible candidates based on an established eligibility was constituted. In cases of promotion into the Basic Pay Scale 22 and equivalent a Special Committee was constituted that would act in a manner similar to the Selection Board. This Committee would be composed of Parliamentarians in a composition stipulated in the Bill. The practice of reappointment of retired civil servants and those from armed forces has been ended with only a little flexibility in terms of cumulative service period that is allowed.

The original Act does not itself confer the duty on civil servant to refuse illegal, unconstitutional or those orders that do not contribute to the ultimate aim of serving the populace. The Amendment Act introduces this responsibility on the servants and provides a clear course of action to that servant in cases where he is confronted with the aforementioned scenario. Civil Servants have also been mandated by the new law to provide and share knowledge of the services that are performed for the betterment of the citizens. The Government has by law been mandated to treat the servants justly and care for their professional development also ending the practice of discrimination in cadres, operational groups and departments. The Bill was adopted unanimously.

The Youth Parliament Pakistan is a PILDAT initiative which is aimed at inculcating in youth of Pakistan values and spirit for democracy, the importance of dialogue, tolerance for others' views, an understanding of the concept of Parliament and its role in democratic decision-making and oversight. PILDAT formed the first-ever Youth Parliament Pakistan in the year 2007. It has successfully concluded six batches of Youth Parliament.

The 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan (2014-2015) is supported by the Danish International Development Agency, Government of Denmark.