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| Inaugural Session Summary | |||
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Inaugural Session of Third Batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan Concluded at Islamabad November 04 to November 08, 2009 |
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The third batch of the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-2010 held its First Session at Islamabad from November 04-08, 2009. The second batch of the Youth Parliament successfully completed its term in August 2009. As a model Parliament for young people, the Youth Parliament Pakistan is patterned after the National Assembly of Pakistan and has 48 members from all over the country. The Orientation On the first day of the session on November 04 2009, the Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) were given a detailed briefing on their roles and responsibilities in light of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Youth Parliament Pakistan. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director, PILDAT introduced members to the party system, elections of various positions, committee system and various procedures of the Youth Parliament. Following parliamentary practices, there are two mock parties in the Youth Parliament Pakistan: the Blue party (Liberals) and the Green Party (Moderates). The MYPs were asked to join one of the two parties prior to the first session. Two party advisers were selected from the Youth Parliament Steering Committee to advise each party on its functions as a parliamentary party and to elect its leaders. Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA, Mr. Khurram Wattoo, MNA and Mr. Hammad Marri, Former Prime Minister Youth Parliament Pakistan (2007 batch) served as advisers and co-advisers to the Blue Party while Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and Ms. Mariam Zaidi, Former Leader of the Opposition Youth Parliament Pakistan (2007 batch) served as adviser and co-adviser to the Green Party. The Blue Party enjoys majority in the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-2010. Incidentally, the Blue Party formed a majority for third consecutive batch bagging 32 seats (67%) as opposed to 16 members (33%) of the Green Party. The 48-member Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-2010 draws 19 members from Punjab, 11 from Sindh, 03 from Balochistan, 07 from NWFP, 03 from FATA, 03 from ICT and 1 each from AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. The gender break-up of the 2009-2010 batch on open merit stands at 21% female and 79% male members. The Inauguration The Youth Parliament Pakistan was inaugurated on November 06 2009, in Islamabad by Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, and Patron Youth Parliament Pakistan, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Senator S. M. Zafar, Chairman Youth Parliament Steering Committee, Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA and adviser to the Blue Party, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and adviser to the Green Party and Ms. Aaysia Riaz, Joint Director PILDAT also spoke on the occasion. Speaking as the chief guest at the Inaugural Session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan said that the only way forward for sustainable democracy in Pakistan was to increase political awareness of Pakistani youth as future leaders of the country. He praised the role of PILDAT as the institution devoted to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in the country and said that PILDAT’s efforts and support for the country’s Parliament and Parliamentarians, as well as its initiative to groom youth’s leadership potential, were greatly appreciated. Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA during her address at the inaugural session pointed out the weaknesses prevailing in the Pakistani political structure. She urged that youth's involvement in politics and democracy is the key to understanding governance weaknesses in the country. Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA stressed that youth must understand the mechanics and implications of politics. He advised youth to involve in practical rather than the drawing room politics. In an inspiring speech at the inauguration session, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan said that tree of democracy needs sacrifice. He quoted “Paradise Lost” by John Milton: “With horse and chariots ranked in loose array So wide they stood, and like a furnace-mouth Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame Before their eyes in sudden view appear” Welcoming the chief guests and the members at the inaugural session on behalf of PILDAT, Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director of PILDAT highlighted that PILDAT instituted the project of Youth Parliament to inculcate in youth of Pakistan values and spirit of 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. Welcoming the 3rd batch, she explained that Youth Parliament seats have been divided on the basis of population criteria used by the National Assembly of Pakistan; however representation is also given to Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in the Youth Parliament Pakistan. The average age of current members is about 23 years and 48 members have been selected out of 1643 applicants from across Pakistan. Gender profile of the current batch is 79% Male and 21% Female on Open Merit. There are two mock parties: the Blue Party (Liberal) and the Green Party (Moderate). Incidentally, the Blue Party (Liberals) formed a majority for third consecutive batch bagging 32 seats (67%) as opposed to 16 members (33%) of the Green Party. She thanked the sponsors of the Youth Parliament project: the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), US Embassy Islamabad Public Affairs section and TCS Pakistan.
The third batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan held four sittings during the First Session along with the orientation and inaugural session. The First Sitting The second day of the first session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan began with the Oath Taking Ceremony of the members. Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, served as the Speaker Youth Parliament Pakistan.
The session proceeded to legislative business with a
resolution by Mr. Hammal Muneer Jan (YP03-BALOCHISTAN02) which
stated that the status of NFC award should be revived to
facilitate all provinces on equal grounds. Mr. Hair-uddin
Baloch (YP02-BALOCHISTAN01) added that the problems of the
province of Balochistan have been ignored by the successive
governments. Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuhro (YP46-Sindh09) said that NFC awards lead to
unequal distribution of wealth. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat
(YP23-PUNJAB05) explained the political structure in detail
and stressed on the need to give confidence to the leadership
of Balochistan. Ms. Anam Javed Mr. Shamas Ur Rehman Alvi (YP48-SINDH11) moved a resolution to modify the Local Government system rather than completely abolish it. Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi (YP41-SINDH04) added that Karachi had benefited a lot from this system and other provinces need to amend it accordingly to gain its benefits. Mr. Abdul Manan (YP17-NWFP06) explained the Local Government system and pointed out its pros and cons. Mr. Muhammad Adil (YP37-PUNJAB19) stressed on the need for proper checks and balances at government level. Mr. Prem Chand(YP38-SINDH01) suggested changes in the local government system. Mr Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) said that provincial governments need to work in close consultation with the centre. Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuhro (YP46-SINDH09) discussing the local government system lauded the easy access to power that this system had given and commented that it was a major development in the democratic process. Mr Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) further explained that the 2 limbs of local body system were legislative and executive and a balance of power needs to be maintained between the two. Ms. Asbah Rehman (YP30-PUNJAB12), Ms. Noor Bakth Ghumman (YP28-PUNJAB10) and Mr. Abdullah Lak (YP36-PUNJAB18) stated that local government system must not be abolished, rather changes need to be made in the system. Mr Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01) discussed the local government system in detail and suggested changes in the system. Ms. Nabeeha Mohyuddin (YP12-NWFP01) stressed on the need to weigh the pros and cons of the system rather than reject it on the basis that it was initiated by a dictator. Mr. Ali Inam Khan (YP14-NWFP03) lauded the effectiveness of local government system in Karachi and said that every government system needs to be more transparent and accountable for its actions. Ms. Anam Cheema (YP29-PUNJAB11) said that the local government system must be free of any political pressures and that it is a great opportunity for Pakistan to recover from decades of neglect in the government sector. Mr Khitab Gul (YP05-FATA01) discussed why the local government system in FATA is a failure and demanded a discussion on the prevailing system of government in FATA. Mr Hassan Sajjad Naqvi (YP25-PUNJAB07) pointed out that 90% of our population relies on MNAs to resolve their problems, which is a misconception and needs to be removed. Mr Shamas-Ur-Rehman Alvi (YP48-SINDH11) concluded by stating that the system needs to be more transparent and must be modified rather than being completely abolished. The resolution was passed with a heavy majority. The meetings of the Green and the Blue Party took place. Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) were explained the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Youth Parliament 2009-2010. The MYPs were guided about the election process and the need for mutual cooperation and understanding amongst parties. Members of the Youth Parliament filed their Standing Committee Preference Forms with the Secretariat and submitted business for the next day. The Second Sitting The Youth Parliament Pakistan in its second sitting deplored the National Reconciliation Ordinance and labeled it a violation of basic human rights. The day started with a resolution passed by Mr. Hanan Ali Abbasi (YP15-KP04) on National Reconciliation Ordinance which condemned the NRO and called upon the Government of Pakistan to set up a committee to spend the money gained by NRO beneficiaries on development works. Mr. Ali Inam Khan (YP14-KP03) commented that NRO negates the principles of democracy through class discrimination. Ms. Maria Fayaz (YP32-PUNJAB14) further condemned the NRO while Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALUCHISTAN03) stressed on the need to make National Accountability Bureau (NAB) transparent and then move for the abolishment of NRO, stressing on the need for a stronger judicial system in the country. Mr. Imran Khan Turangzai (YP18-KP07) suggested that a parliamentary ethics committee be formed through the platform of Youth Parliament and the findings of this committee should be presented to the members of the real Parliament. Mr. Hassan Javed Khan (YP39-SINDH02) said that we need to focus on the second part of the resolution and plan the allocation of funds generated by NRO for development projects. Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuhro (YP46-SINDH09) said that the NRO, if protected, would become a culture in politics and there would be zero accountability for anyone who is corrupt. Mr. Hassan Tasneem Ahmed (YP26-PUNJAB08) explained that NRO was given protection through NAB (National Accountability Bureau) and dealt with criminal cases, as well as corruption cases. Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHSTAN03) further explained the background of NRO and stated that we need to learn from our past mistakes. Mr. Umer Raza (YP35-PUNJAB17) demanded exposure of NRO beneficiaries and condemned and oppose this black law. Mr. Agha Shakeel Ahmed (YP47-SINDH10) demanded that a commission be made to discuss the NRO cases and stated that all citizens of Pakistan must be treated as first class citizens, without any discrimination. Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) said that strict actions need to be taken against all people involved in corruption so that an example is set for all generations and leaders to follow. Mr. Shamas-Ur-Rehman Alvi (YP48-SINDH11) discussed section 4 and 5 of NRO which protects MNA’s and MPA’s from accountability. He said that this was against the spirit of democracy and must be condemned. Ms. Gul Andaam Orakzai (YP10-ICT03) stressed on the need for accountability for a true and fair democracy. Ms. Noor Bakht Ghumman (YP28-PUNJAB10) and Ms. Nabeeha Muhyuddin (YP12-KP01) called NRO a fundamentally discriminatory law and stated that the money from NRO should be used in education and health sector. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) cleared concepts of rule of law, separation of power and judicial review, discussing the three points in detail. Mr. Muhammad Adil (YP37-PUNJAB19) said that the Youth Parliament will stand and support the chief justice for any action against corruption or violation of human rights. Mr Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01) discussed the legality and constitutional aspects of NRO. He pointed to article 25 of constitution stating that equality before the law is a fundamental right. Ms. Asbah Rehman (YP30-PUNNJAB12) and Ms. Ayesha Bilal Bhatti (YP27-PUNJAB09) condemned the NRO and said that it gives a bad name to democracy in Pakistan. The resolution was put to the house and was adopted with a heavy majority. Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) and Mr. Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHISTAN03) presented the second resolution of the day which demanded elections of student unions both at government and private Institutions all over Pakistan. They said that a lot of renowned politicians like Mr. Sheikh Rasheed and Mr. Javed Hashmi were groomed by student unions and they have been instrumental in creating leaders in the country. Mr. Zulqurnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02) said that youth is energetic, talented and full of passion to serve the country. Their efforts, however, need to be channelized and this should be done through effective student unions across the country. Mr. Awais Bin Laiq (YP45-SINDH08) concurred and added that student unions groom the youth politically and give them confidence to stand up for their rights. Mr. Muhammad Atif(YP01-AJK01) and Mr. Prem Chand (YP38-SINDH01) further stated that student unions must be free of any political affiliations or pressure and must work against injustice and lawlessness in the country, irrespective of the party they belong to. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) discussed the distinction between student unions of private and public institutions and the need to bridge the gap between the two. Mr. Zahoor-Ud-Din (YP06-FATA 02) disagreed with the house and stated that there should be no student unions. He gave examples of Karachi University and Punjab University and the everyday fights, leading up to violence and even causalities at times, all in the name of political interests. He said that colleges like Aitcheson and Cadet College Hassanabdal have maintained their high standards by not allowing their students to be involved in student unions. Mr. Imran Khan Turangzai (YP18-KP07) said that a ban on student unions has always been implemented by a dictator to prolong his rule. Ms. Zile Huma(YP31-PUNJAB13) pointed out that a major problem of student unions is that they give rise to ethnic grievances. Mr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan (YP13-KP02) stressed that leaders are born leaders and to make a countries leadership strong, we need to work from grass root levels. Mr. Waqas Nazar Tiwana (YP21-PUNJAB15) and Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05) stated that student unions must exist but should be free of political affiliations and pressures. Mr. Hassan Tasneem Ahmed (YP26-PUNJAB08) and Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) demanded immediate free and fair elections. The resolution was passed with a simple majority. A Calling Attention Notice was put forward by Mr. Imran Khan Turangzai (YP18-NWFP07) and Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHITAN03) to condemn the target killing of Professor Ansari. The house prayed for his departed soul. The third resolution of the day was moved by Mr. Zulqurnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02), Mr. Khan Zeb Burki (YP07-FATA03) and Mr. Abdul Manan (YP17-KP06) to express solidarity with the Internally Displaced People of South Waziristan Agency. Mr. Khan Zeb Burki (YP07-FATA03) explained the background of the problem and urged that more registration centers be set up in WANA. Members cited critical figures that for a total of 40,000 registered IDPs only 5,949 ration cards were given and the unavailability of water and other basic necessities was a major problem in the area. The session was then adjourned till the following morning. The Third Sitting The Youth Parliament Pakistan elected its Prime Minister, Mr. Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01), belonging to the Blue Party, who commanded the confidence of the House. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) was elected as the Leader of the Opposition, while Mr. Muhammad Aatif (YP01-AJK01) from the Blue Party was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Youth Parliament Pakistan. Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan took oath from the Youth Prime Minister and Deputy Speaker Youth Parliament. Members congratulated the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Deputy Speaker on their respective posts. The Leader of the House during his address withdrew his discretion to assign portfolios to different ministers and called for the formation of cabinet through merit. He further proposed to make a Value and Ethics Committee to ensure a high level of transparency in the workings of the House. The Leader of the House stressed on freedom of expression and association, declaring these basic human rights. He emphasised the need to foster a better image of Pakistan globally and make every possible effort to erase the impression of Pakistan being a breeding ground for terrorism and a failed state. The House continued its discussion from the previous sitting regarding Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) of South Waziristan Agency, highlighting their problems and recommending steps that need to be taken for swift and effective relief and rehabilitation. Mr. Khitab Gul (YP05-FATA01) and Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05) pointed out the problems faced by the IDPs such as non-availability of clean water, sanitation, healthcare facilities, etc and demanded the government to provide for them. Youth Prime Minister, Mr Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01) condemned the ban on IDPs that they cannot enter into any main city of the country and demanded that it should be lifted immediately. He demanded that the responsibility of registration centres should be made clear between DCO, Interior, Provincial and Federal Governments. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) highlighted the social angle of the discussion and stressed on the need for education to make sure that no more suicide bombers are created. He said that violence in this area has lead to severe psychological problems for the people, especially children, and healthcare facilities should be provided by the government. Ms. Gul Andaam Orakzai (YP10-ICT03) stressed on the humanitarian aspect of the problem and said that it is unfair that one advances the country’s interest by using a select class of people and then starts considering them a threat and downplays them. After debate, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the House and the Speaker requested the formation of a committee by the Leader of the House and Leader of opposition. The Fourth Sitting Youth Cabinet of the third batch of the Youth Parliament Pakistan was announced by the Youth Prime Minister. Following Portfolios were allotted to the members: Ms. Madeeha Shahid Rana (YP34-PUNJAB16), Youth Minister for Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Waqas Nazar Tiwana (YP21-PUNJAB03), Youth Minister for Foreign Affairs & Defence, Mr. Zulqarnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02), Youth Minister for Health & Environment, Mr. Shamas ur Rehman Alvi (YP48-SINDH11), Youth Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs, Mr. Hannan Ali Abbasi (YP15-NWFP04) Youth Minister for Information and Mr. Hassan Sajjad Naqvi (YP25-PUNJAB07), Youth Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs. The Shadow Cabinet was announced by the Leader of Opposition. Following portfolios were allotted to the members: Mr Owais Bin Laiq (YP45-SINDH08), Shadow Minister for Information, Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALUCHISTAN03), Shadow Minister for Education, Health and Environment, Mr. Bilal Qasmi (YP24-PUNJAB06) Shadow Minister for Finance, Planning Affairs and Economics, Mr Imran Khan Turangzai (YP19-NWFP07), Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mr Hammal Muneer Jan (YP02-BALUCHISTAN03), Shadow Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights and Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07), Shadow Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs. Earlier, Mr. Khizar Pervaiz (YP40-SINDH03) presented a motion to discuss the implementation of capital punishment to the perpetrators of crimes against women as they were on the rise. Debate was generated in the House from both sides on different aspects of the motion ranging from the categories of crimes against women to general attitude of the public towards these crimes. Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-NWFP05) stated that women, even today in the 21st century, are not considered equal in our society and this thinking needs to be changed. Mr. Shan-e-Hussain Naqvi (YP46-SINDH03) explained capital punishment and cases in which it should be used. The Youth Prime Minister during his speech referred this motion to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice to review the state of national laws regarding protection of women and present a report to the House in the next session. Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuhro (YP46-SINDH09) and Mr. Hammal Muneer Jan (YP03-BALOCHISTAN02) presented a resolution stating that Pakistan should adopt an aggressive policy on water issue with India and an effective water management policy should be adopted immediately. Mr. Abdullah Lak(YP36-PUNJAB18) explained the water crisis and demanded immediate action, saying that we lack implementation at government level. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat(YP23-PUNJAB05) explained the aggressive military policy and said that by no means did the motion refer to going to war with India. Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi (YP41-SINDH04) outlined the workings of the Indus Water Commission stated that the issue be solved diplomatically through dialogue. Mr. Zulqurnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02) explained in detail the background of the problem, stating the demarcation of rivers at partition between the two countries. At this point, Leader of the Opposition Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05) suggested that Parliamentary ethics and parliamentary rules be studied in an internal meeting by the Speaker, Leader of the House and himself. On the issue that rules and conduct of Parliament were not being properly followed, there was a walk out by the Opposition. The Foreign Minister of the Youth Parliament requested the Opposition to come back to the House for debate. The Opposition returned and the debate continued. Mr. Imran Khan Turangzai(YP18-NKP07) and Mr. Agha Shakeel Ahmed (YP47-SINDH11) stressed on the need for proper management of water on the part of the government. Other members urged the adoption of immediate measures for water preservation techniques and to promote awareness amongst the masses on this issue. Members also stressed that the Government should tackle the water dispute with India on pure diplomatic grounds and avoid conflict. This resolution was adopted by the House. Another resolution was moved by Mr. Hannan Ali Abbasi (YP15-KP04), Mr. Waqas Nazar Tiwana (YP21-PUNJAB03) and Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHISTAN03). The resolution said that practical steps should be taken to promote Urdu language at national level as mentioned in the Constitution of Pakistan and recommend promoting Urdu language through the use of modern technology. Mr. Zulqurnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02) highlighting the importance of Urdu language said that we must not ignore English language as well, given its international importance. Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) quoted the United Nations charter which stated that primary education of children should be in their national language. Mr. Muneeb Afzal (YP09-ICT02) pointed out that all technological progress was being made in English. Ms. Maria Fayyaz(YP32-PUNJAB14) and Mr. Muhammad Adil(YP37-PUNJAB19) said that a balance should be maintained between the two languages and Urdu language must be given due importance in order to preserve our culture and heritage. Mr. Imran Khan Turangzai (YP18-KP07) urged the need for a uniform education system and a fixed language for all education in the country. Mr Khan Zeb Burki (YP07-FATA03) and Mr Shane-e-Hussain Naqvi (YP43-SINDH06) gave examples of other nations and urged that Urdu language be promoted at national as well as regional level. Mr. Umer Raza (YP35-PUNJAB17) said that Urdu is a big unifying factor in a nation like Pakistan with different languages and culture. The resolution was adopted with a heavy majority by the House. The session was prorogued sine die. |
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Members Steering Committee Youth Parliament of Pakistan (L to R) Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator S. M. Zafar, Dr. Donya Aziz at Inauguration of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 |
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(L to R) Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director PILDAT, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Senator S. M. Zafar, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Education and Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA cutting the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 cake to mark the Inauguration |
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Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan addressing to the Youth Parliament Pakistan members at the Inauguration Ceremony |
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Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly taking oath form Youth Prime Minister Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01) |
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Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 |
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