Day 1 : June 23, 2014
The Orientation
Islamabad, June 24; The inaugural session of 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan
2014, began this Monday and will continue over the course of five days
until June 27, 2014.
Facilitated by PILDAT, the Youth Parliament Pakistan is patterned after
the National Assembly of Pakistan. Its membership is drawn from young
Pakistanis aged between 18-29 years from Balochistan, KP, Punjab, Sindh,
Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and FATA.
The 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan (2014) will have an enhanced role as
the Youth Standing Committee will be focused on reviewing critical policy
issues and be tasked with developing cogent policy alternatives for the
Parliament and the Government of Pakistan.
A total of 2081 Expressions of Interest, a record high compared to the
previous 5 batches, were received for the 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan
(2014). 93% of the applicants were male while 7% were female. Geographically,
most of the EOIs received were from Punjab (49%), the rest of the distribution
is as follows: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 20%, Sindh: 14%, Balochistan: 7%, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir: 4%, Federally Administered Tribal Areas: 3%, GilgitBaltistan:
2% and Islamabad Capital Territory: 1%.
The total membership of Youth Parliament is 60. There are 16 female (27%)
and 44 male (73%) members of the 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan (2014).
The Blue Party commands a majority with 78% of the seats, whilst the Green
Party holds 22% of the seats.
28 seats are allocated to the Punjab province, 13 to Sindh, 7 to Khyber
Pakhtinkhwa, 4 to Balochistan and 2 each to Islamabad Capital Territory
(ICT), Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Azad Jammu & Kashmir
(AJK) and GilgitBaltistan (GB).
Only those young Pakistanis who were between the ages of 18-29 years on
January 01, 2014 were eligible to apply for membership of the Youth Parliament
Pakistan. The average age for a member of the 6th Youth Parliament is
22 years and 3 months. The merit based selection process for the 6th Youth
Parliament has been led by an independent Steering Committee.
Day 2 : June 24, 2014
Following an orientation for new members, the Youth Parliament session
officially began with oath-taking of the members today. While Mr. Wazir
Ahmed Jogazai, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan,
has graciously agreed to chair the Youth Parliament Pakistan as its Speaker,
election to the office of the Youth Deputy Speaker will be held during
the first session. The agenda of first session also includes ascertainment
of the Member who commands the confidence of the majority of the Members
as Youth Prime Minister. The Opposition benches will also choose a Youth
Leader of the Opposition. Standing Committees of the Youth Parliament
Pakistan will also be elected during the first session, along with the
Committee Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretaries.
An Orientation session was held for Members of the 6th Youth Parliament
in which they were briefed on their roles and responsibilities.Mr.Ahmed
Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT, shared with MYPs the key changes in the
YPP model centred around strengthening the role of YPP Standing Committees.
MYPs were shown a roadmap enunciating the rules and guidelines for the
committee reports with explaining the nature of the committees with tentative
deadlines for entire parliamentary year 2014.
The day concluded with the first meetings of the six Youth Standing Committees,
namely: National Security; Foreign Affairs; Finance, Economics Affairs
and Planning; Transport; Education and Youth Affairs; and Energy.
Day 3 : June 25, 2014
Presentation by MTBF consultant Nohman Ishtiaq
June 25: Budget deficit due to discrepancy between accumulated revenue
and Government's expenditure is one of the reasons of failure of meeting
the set fiscal targets of successive Governments, said Mr. Nohman Ishtiaq,
on the third day of the inaugural session of the 6th Youth Parliament
Pakistan (2014).
Mr. Nohman Ishtiaq, Management Consultant with the Ministry of Finance,
gave Members of the Youth Parliament Pakistan an informative presentation
regarding budget and its aspects like budget in brief, annual budget statement
and estimates of the foreign investment. He shed light on the role of
Parliament in budget scrutiny and accountability of elected Governments
in overseeing performance and commitment in achieving the targets outlined
in the budget.
He stated that due to article 84 of the Constitution, Government is the
sole entity in determining the direction of budget which makes the budget
less immune to public scrutiny hence giving Government a free hand.
In the penultimate section of his presentation, Mr. Ishtiaq briefly analyzed
the Federal Budget 2014-2015 presented by the incumbent Government of
Pakistan and shared facts and figures about the current percentage of
the GDP, Annual Investment Rate, Annual Revenue Accumulation and the prospects
of a steady rise of national GDP. Identifying the causes of a shallow
economy of Pakistan, he maintained that the primary reason which international
agencies and financial institutions have identified about the failure
of Pakistan to meet the fiscal targets and budgetary goals stem out of
corruption, mismanagement of resources and bad governance only to be followed
by poor security and law and order situation of the country.
Following the adjournment of the plenary session, the MYP’s held
political party meetings. The Blue party after a general and subsequent
run-off election selected Mr. Aqeel Ahmed (YP14-KP02)as the leader of
the blue party while Mr. Muhammad Shahzar Illahi (YP56-SINDH09) emerged
as the leader of the green party. Ms. Filza Marri (YP52-SINDH05) from
the Blue party after general and runoff election was elected as Blue party
contender for the post of Deputy Speaker Youth Parliament.
Day-4 : June 26, 2014
Islamabad, June 26;
The formal elections of the Youth Prime Minister Youth parliament held
during a short plenary session on the 4th day of the 1st session which
was followed by the identification process ofthe Youth Deputy Speaker.
As per the results Mr.Aqeel Ahmed (YP14-KP02) was elected as the Prime
minster and Ms. Filza Marri (YP52-SINDH05) was elected as deputy speaker
Youth Parliament Pakistan.
The Inauguration
Youth Parliament provides an ideal forum to learn and accept that there
exist different prisms, ethnicities, language and cultures in Pakistan.
It is a tremendous privilege to represent fellow citizens and this privilege
should not be maligned. These views were shared by Speakers at the launching
ceremony of PILDAT’s 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan (YPP) 2014.
The 60 young selected candidatesfrom across the country were welcomed
by Honourable Engr. Khurrum Dastgir Khan, MNA, Federal Minister of Commerce,
H.E. Mr.Jesper Moller Sorensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Mr.
Faisal Karim Kundi, Patron Youth Parliament Pakistan and former Deputy
Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former
Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja,
MNA, Mr. Murad Saeed, MNA, among others.
As a model Parliament for young people, the Youth Parliament Pakistan
is patterned after the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Government of
Denmark has through its development assistance been supporting PILDAT’s
Youth Parliament Program since 2010 with the aim to promote democracy
in Pakistan, especially among the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, Honourable Engr. Khurrum Dastgir Khan, MNA,
Federal Minister of Commerce, thanked the consistent support of the illustrious
Standing Committee of Youth Parliament in making successful what he termed
as the “tremendous endeavor of the Youth Parliament Pakistan.”
He especially thanked the Danish Ambassador the support and contribution
of the Danish Government for the Youth Parliament initiative. Mr. Khan
said that illiteracy on democracy is lacking worse than general illiteracy
and PILDAT, through the Youth Parliament, as with other initiatives, is
contributing to removing this illiteracy.
Democracy is an understanding with the citizens to take them along towards
greater public good. He said that the first lesson that he learnt in Parliament
was that there exist other perspectives and prisms on Pakistan other than
those coming from Punjab. He hoped that this lesson will be learnt by
MYPs as well that there exist different prisms of looking at this country
that we call home. The mere tolerance of other ethnicities, language and
cultures is not democracy but accepting these as legitimate is the first
lesson of democracy. He said that in democracy and governance, taking
everyone along is the first challenge. He said that Parliament, at its
foundation is a contest of ideas. It is a tremendous privilege to represent
fellow citizens and to sit at a table where decisions are made. This privilege
should not be maligned. He also said that in public service, good intentions
alone are not sufficient. A consistent effort is required both in reforms
and in taking people along. He also said that fruits of democracy never
automatically fall in your lap; democracy requires sustained and tireless
effort. He also quoted AmartyaSen by saying that it is incorrect to think
that a country does not deem to be fit for democracy, it has to be made
fit through democracy. Pakistan’s present and future prosperity
is tied to the sustainability of representative democracy.
Addressing the young leaders,Danish Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jesper Moller
Sorensen said that the YPP aimed to provide the young members with numerous
opportunities to understand, to engage in and also to question the process
of democracy. Ambassador Sorensen stated that “Democracy starts
when we learn to listen to others and give space to opinions which may
differ from ours. And this is more important than ever, as the global
economy is connecting us more than ever.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Sorensen talked about the youth as the driver
of change. “The future is always somewhat uncertain – but what is
certain to me is that it will be the young people of Pakistan who determine
what the future will be”, he said.
He also encouraged the young parliamentarians to get the most out of the
program to the benefit of their country. “I am strongly convinced
that you cannot talk about democracy or civil empowerment without engaging
the youth. This program is therefore a great opportunity for you to learn
about civic responsibility, team work, tolerance and respect for other
people’s opinion.”
Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Patron of Youth Parliament Pakistan and former
Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, thanked the Danish Embassy
for providing support to continue an important initiative such as Youth
Parliament aimed at Pakistani youth’s leadership skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, MNA, welcomed the
PILDAT initiative of Youth Parliament and said that the young members
must make the most of this experience as such an opportunity was not available
to MNAs like her before entering politics. She advised youth that youth
must strive to achieve integrity in public life. She also said that Parliament
and politics though are much maligned terms in Pakistan, these are the
best mediums for public service.
Mr. Murad Saeed, MNA, congratulated the young members on their selection
and advised them to use the opportunity of learning and leadership skills
to the fullest.
Ms. Maleeka Bukhari, Advocate, appreciated PILDAT’s contribution
towards Pakistani youth’s development and advised young members
to focus on the critical review of both existing policies and legislation
in order to improve the lives of the citizens.
Welcoming the Honourable Guests and members of Youth Parliament Pakistan,
Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT, said that PILDAT has completed
5 cycles of YPPs in 7 Years, adding that initiating an idea is the most
important test of the success of an idea. The 6th Youth Parliament marks
a new phase in the life of the institution. A record 2000 Expressions
of Interest were received for this batch. The steady rise indicates increasing
interest and trust from the Youth of Pakistan in the Youth Parliament
Pakistan. He said that in this batch, there is a further strengthening
of the six Standing Committees is envisioned. These Committees will examine
12 key policy areas of the Federal Government over one year term and will
come up with substantive policy recommendations representing the youth
perspective on such diverse subjects as Foreign Policy, National Security,
Education, Economy, Constitutional and Legal Reforms. These recommendations
will then be shared with the Government, the Parliamentary Committees
and eventually the media. Mr. Mehboobsaidthat Pakistan needs to strengthen
its democratic institutions and inculcate democratic culture in the society.
We need to discourage extremist tendencies and lack of tolerance for others’
beliefs and views and strengthen the rule of law. Through initiatives
such as the Youth Parliament, we hope that open and informed debate in
the YPP on issues facing the society will promote the cause of democracy
in Pakistan.
Day 5: June 27, 2014
Announcement
of OfficeBearers
Islamabad, June 27: The concluding day of the first session of the 6thYouth
Parliament Pakistan (2014) saw Youth Prime Minister announcing the Youth
Cabinet. The Cabinet includes Ms. SakinaGulab (YP19-KP07) Youth Minister
for Education and Youth Affairs, Mr. Asmatullah Asmi (YP04-BALOCHISTAN02)
Youth Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Syed Muhammad Abdullah (YP07-FATA01)
Youth Minster for transport, Mr. Muhammad Furqan Khan (YP55-SINDH08)Youth
Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and Planning, Mr. Ajab Khan (YP05-BALOCHISTAN03)
Youth Minster for Energy and, Mr. Jahanzeb Baloch (YP03-BALOCHISTAN03),
Youth Minister for National Security. The Youth Cabinet was sworn in by
Youth Deputy Speaker Ms. Filza Marri (YP52 –SINDH05).
The Leader of the opposition announced Shadow Cabinet. The following shadow
portfolios were allotted to the members; Syed Muhammad Modassar (YP60-SINDH12),
Youth Shadow Minister for National Security, Mr. Junaid Iqbal (YP33-PUNJAB14),
Youth Shadow Minister for Energy, Ms. Samiya Mujtaba (Y42-PUNJAB23) Youth
Shadow Minister for Education& Youth Affairs, Mr. Saffi Hassam (YP41-PUNJAB22)
Youth Shadow Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and Planning and Mr.
Ali Shan Khan (YP13-KP01) Youth Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Following the short plenary session, the Standing Committees met and selected
their Committee Chairs. As per the election results, Ms. Anum, Tariq Khan
(YP27-PUNJAB08) was elected as Chairman Committee on Energy, Mr. Mizghan
Mehboob Kirmani (YP54-SINDH07) Chairman Standing Committee on Education
and Youth Affairs, Ms. Maria Malik (YP35-PUNJAB16), Chairman Standing
committee on Transport, Mr. Daniyal Alvi(YP50-SINDH03) Chairman Standing
Committee Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Sohaib Saeed (YP02-AJK 02) elected
as Chairman Standing committee on Finance, Economic Affairs and Planning.
Thereafter, the Committee members discussed their options for policy review
and planned their activities for the parliamentary year.
The Standing Committees of 6thYouth Parliament Pakistan (2014) are tasked
with developing policy reviews and present those to the Parliament, Government
of Pakistan and media.
