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| Second Session Summary | |||
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Second Session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan concluded at Islamabad February 03 to February 07, 2010 |
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The third batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan held its Second Session at Islamabad from February 04 to February 07, 2010. The major focus of the session was on discussing the topics; the Balochistan Crisis and Revisiting Pakistan’s Policy on Terrorism. The Sittings of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-2010 The third batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan held five sittings during the Second Session. First Sitting: First day of the Second Session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan started with a Calling Attention Notice moved by Ms. Ayesha Bilal Bhatti (YP27-PUNJAB09) and Ms. Noor Bakht Ghumman (YP28-PUNJAB10) to monitor the Child Labour Laws with reference to the recent death of Ms. Shazia Masih. Mr. Rana Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01), Youth Prime Minister requested the Honourable speaker to refer this to the Human Right’s and Law Committee to analyze and discuss different prospects of Labor Laws with special context to the child labor laws. Youth Prime Minister agreed with the opposition that there should be committees to monitor and discuss the amendments that can be implemented and applied to the child labor laws. He stated clearly that the improved education system and reforms play a pivotal role in a democratic society. Youth Prime Minister, Mr. Amaar Faaruq (YP08-ICT01) ended the calling attention notice and cleared several points that the members of opposition had conveyed. Mr. Amaar discussed the astonishingly low standards of the jails and suggested social benefits for the children to abolish child labor. Referring to Ms. Shazia Masih’s case Prime Minister suggested that state attorneys must be provided for the families who can’t afford one. Mr. Agha Shakeel (YP47-SINDH10) of the green party drew the attention of the house towards the timid penalty that has to be paid by the offender according to the Juvenile Justice system. Syed Arsalan Ahmed (YP42-SINDH05) suggested that committees be formed that can work on child care and family support incentives to decrease the child labor, to which Youth Prime Minister agreed and accepted almost all the suggestions made by the opposition. This was referred to the Committee by the Honourable Speaker. Later in the day, a resolution was moved regarding Land Reforms. Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuro (YP46-SINDH09) moved a resolution to abolish feudal system through land reforms as he thought it was creating hindrances in the development of democratic culture in Pakistan. Ms. Gul Andaam Orakzai (YP10-ICT03) spoke in favor of amending the land reforms. She further drew attention towards the need of awareness and education. Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi (YP41-SINDH04) suggested to bringing institutional changes and empowering the voters who chooses the government representatives. Reference of South Korea and Iran were given to improve the system and many suggestions were made to get rid of the feudal system or at least to weaken it. Almost all the members moved the resolution for adoption regarding land reforms. The Youth Prime Minister requested the speaker to refer the resolution to the Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Committee. Honorable Speaker referred this resolution to the concerned Committee. Second Sitting: On the second day, Youth Parliament witnessed debate and discussion on various resolutions dealing with the payment of royalty for gas and mineral resources to Balochistan according to the constitutional provisions; the need for immediate resolution of the issue of missing persons of Balochistan; facilitation of training centres and the provision of adequate health and education facilities in the province. The Youth Prime Minister proposed to amend the resolution moved by Mr. Hammal Muneer Jan (YP03-BALOCHISTAN02) and Ms. Gul Aandaam Orakzai (YP10-ICT03) on the issue of missing persons by adding the operative clause 12 of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package and to provide a comprehensive list of all missing persons to the Supreme Court, invoking the writ of habeas corpus. The amended resolution was passed unanimously. The Youth Prime Minister also announced that the Youth Government will be unveiling the 18th Constitutional Amendment package in the Youth Parliament Pakistan during the on-going session of the Youth Parliament. Later in the day, a Panel Discussion on The Balochistan Crisis was held. The panelists included Senator Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, (Balochistan NP), Senator Muhammad Khan Sherani, (Balochistan JUI-F) and Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan. Senator Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, who began the discussion by explaining the historical and geographical importance of the province, highlighted that in his view the geographical partitions in the region had been concluded earlier and it is within the federation of Pakistan that Baloch people wish to get their due rights. He said that one's own affinity with one's language or ethnicity should not be taken as a negation of other ethnicities and languages. The provinces created the federation of Pakistan and the State of Pakistan must provide the provinces' equitable share of resources to them. Senator Shirani, who focused his conversation on the need for an ideological basis of politics, drew the attention of the House towards developing a better understanding of politics, which, devoid of religious values, has no significance. "Sense of responsibility and duty come before anything else" said Senator Shirani. He highlighted that the JUI-F had agitated the issue of Balochistan's required share in resources first when it was in government. He also believed that the JUI-F, while appreciating the steps taken under the new NFC Award, believed this was only the first step towards actualization of the due share of Balochistan in the federal pool. The panellists believed that the Government's Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package is an unrealistic document that does not sufficiently address the just requirements of Balochistan. Moreover, the Government is not in a position to implement its promises regarding missing persons due to the role of Intelligence Agencies in the province and it should not have made such promises Third Sitting: The third day of the session began with a focus on Kashmir Solidarity day and the Youth Parliament observed one minute's silence to express solidarity with and pay tribute to the martyrs of the independence movement of Kashmir. Mr. Khizar Pervaiz (YP 40-Sindh 03) invited the attention of the Youth Prime Minister through a calling attention notice to the protracted delay in the completion of Lyari Express way in Karachi and the dislocation of families during the construction of the project. The first resolution of the day was moved by the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP20-PUNJAB05).The house adopted the resolution in the favour of introducing a bill in the Parliament regarding the prosecution process of persons held in FATA during the ongoing military operation. Mr. Zulqarnain Haider (YP20-PUNJAB02), Mr. Hannan Ali Abbasi (YP15-KP04) and Mr. Waqas Nazar Tiwana (YP21-PUNJAB03) moved a resolution that Pakistan's policy on Terrorism should not compromise on the country's dignity and national interest. During the debate, members strongly condemned the Pakistani government's unconditional support to the US through which the Pakistani nation became a victim of this war. This resolution was unanimously adopted by the House. Ms. Nabeeha Mohyuddin (YP12-KP01), Ms. Mahrukh Ayesha Ali (YP18-KP07) and Mr. Waqas Nazar Tiwana (YP21-PUNJAB03) introduced a bill in the House to take immediate steps to investigate the alleged presence of the US security company "Blackwater" in various cities of Pakistan. After debate, the bill was referred to the Youth Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights. Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayyed, General Secretary, PML and former Senator then addressed the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the topic of Revisiting Pakistan's Policy on Terrorism. He said that Pakistan has a key role to play in the region and the youth must focus its energies on developing new solutions drawing from lessons emanating from previous policies. He gave a historical overview of the geo-political importance of Pakistan in the region and identified various strengths of the country which must be acknowledged while planning for the present and the future. He supported the policy of dialogue in Afghanistan which he said was a huge triumph of Pakistan's perspective. The West is shy of openly admitting that it is facing a defeat in Afghanistan but the Western Historians will have to acknowledge this fact that is evident in today's world. Focusing on Pakistan's internal dynamics of extremism and terrorism he said that the successive lack of initiative by various regimes in Pakistan to focus on the development of FATA has given rise to the current scenario. While development is a slow process, creative solutions must be sought for the immediate resolution of the issues. Extending the Political Parties Act to FATA and setting up the ROZs in FATA should be top priority of the government, he believed. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayyed said that the most youthful population of the World resided in the Muslim countries including Pakistan and utilizing youth's potential must be a priority. He praised PILDAT's initiative of Youth Parliament terming its 3rd consecutive year to be a huge success. "I would like to see you in the national Parliament some years from now," he said while talking to members of the Youth Parliament. He said he believed in the political process and urged youth to come forward and join political platforms. Fourth Sitting: The Youth Parliament began its proceedings through condemning the ghastly attack in Karachi on the occasion of the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain. Presented jointly by Mr. Owais Bin Laiq (YP45-SINDH08), Mr. Hammal Muneer Jan (YP03-BALOCHISTAN02), Ms. Gul Andaam Orakzai (YP10-ICT03) and Mr. Bilal Qasmi (YP24-PUNJAB06) the motion condemned the blast in Karachi and the loss of precious lives. Youth Parliament members expressed serious concern at the security situation in the country which was beginning to hit the so-far peaceful province of Sindh. The House, which actively began discussing the topic of Revisiting Pakistan's Policy on Terrorism, witnessed a contentious debate on the question of whether or not to negotiate with the militants to contain terrorism in Pakistan. On a resolution moved by Mr. Ehsan Naveed Irfan (YP013-KP02), Ms Asbah Rahman (YP30-PUNJAB12) and Mr. Kamil Quddus (YP22-PUNJAB04) which supported effective negotiations with militants including and a new anti-terrorism strategy for uprooting terrorism in Pakistan, where the House witnessed the need for negotiations for afar-reaching strategy, majority of the members criticized the proposals of dialogue with militants stating that the time of dialogue is over. Pakistan's state has actively pursued the policy of dialogue where needed but no dialogue can be held with those who butcher innocent people and challenge the writ of the state. The House rejected the resolution with a majority vote. Discussing what was termed as a 'reckless' policy of the Government of Pakistan to issue indiscriminate licenses of record number of unauthorized weapons, the House strongly believed that the Government, instead of promoting gun culture, should introduce a drive to de-weaponise the society. Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) and Mr. Khizer Pervaiz (YP40-SINDH03) who moved the resolution that the present government has issued extensive licenses of unauthorized weapons and should review this policy because it will not serve the underlying purpose of maintaining law and order, in the long run, criticized federal, state and provincial portfolio-holders for their irresponsible attitude in this regard. The House also criticized the overtones of corruption in this issue and jointly demanded that the Prime Minister must order an enquiry into this issue to bring the public-office holders involved in this corruption to justice. The Youth Prime Minister Rana Amaar Faaruq presented to the house the House his government's proposed 18th Constitutional Amendment bill. The bill seeks to recognize Gilgit-Baltistan as a province; abolish the concurrent list altogether; amalgamation of Federally Administered and Provincially-Administered Tribal Areas into the NWFP; revoke the Frontier Crimes Regulation and amalgamate Zhob Loralai, Dalabandin districts and Marri and Bugti tribal territories as administrative districts of Balochistan. The House decided to discuss the constitutional amendment bill on its sitting scheduled for Sunday, February 07, 2010. The House also began discussing the resolution moved by Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05), Mr. Ali Inam (YP14-KP03) and Mr. Muhammad Irfan (YP07-FATA03) to re-name NWFP as Pukhtoonistan, Pukhtoon Khwa or Afghania to recognise the long-standing demand of the people of NWFP and FATA. Due to paucity of time, however, after the introduction of the resolution, a debate could not take place and the issue was deferred for the next day's proceedings. Later in the day, Governor NWFP Mr. Owais Ghani addressied the Youth Parliament Pakistan. Speaking on the topic of Revisiting Pakistan's Policy on Terrorism, Mr. Owais Ghani said that Pakistan has what it takes to fight every challenge. Pakistan has been saying to the West that its policy of 'global war on terror is misconstrued and faulty and which should be realistically evaluated. He said that the triumph of Pakistan is that it has firmly reversed the physical and ideological retreat to insurgents and insurgency which was experienced a while ago here. Insurgents in Pakistan are 'fasadi, not 'jehadis' and there can be no dialogue with them, said the Governor. He believed that a peaceful, progressive and friendly Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest and Pakistan has urged the West to allow Gulbadin and Taliban to come to Kabul through a political agreement. Advising Youth Parliament members, the Governor said to watch out against the globalization of culture and politics. While the globalization of trade is the need of times, there is no wisdom in imitating what so-called 'advanced' nations are doing. Sharing his views on the values of democracy, he said that the dividends of democracy have to be right quality of leadership and reflection of the desire and aspirations of the people in the system of state. He said that he had no quarrel with the statement that Parliament is sovereign as long as it remains within the confines of Quran and Sunnah according to the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that people look for simplistic solutions to the issue of terrorism which is a multi-dimensional problem with global, regional and national dimensions. Pakistan has been a victim as opposed to the aggressor that it is painted to be in the World as it is at the receiving end of weapons, militancy and drugs coming from Afghanistan. Afghanistan is not doing its job and Pakistan is blamed. He believed that Pakistan's potential is in the valiant people, armed forces and security and intelligence agencies. Anyone criticizing security and intelligence agencies wishes to weaken Pakistan, he said, advising to Youth Parliament to review international demands in this light. The members of Youth Parliament posed various questions to the Governor that he candidly answered, wishing for the Youth to take on the challenges of today and tomorrow. "I wish you encounter challenges and testing times in your life and develop a potential to overcome all," said Governor Owais Ghani. Fifth Sitting: The final day of the proceedings started with a Calling Attention Notice on the Bombings in Quetta, Balochistan. The house condemned the attacks and prayed for the departed souls of the martyrs. Mr. Muhammad Saleem (YP19-PUNJAB01) called the attention of the House to the sugar crisis in the country and emphasized that there is enough sugar produced in the country to cater for the needs of everyone and Government should take strict actions against the people who have caused this crisis. Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07) demanded that the ban on pillion riding in Karachi must be lowered as it causes inconvenience to the people of the region and does not serve its purpose of curbing street crimes. Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHISTAN03) suggested that the environmental problems in Balochistan must be addressed as it is a province containing natural resources which must be preserved. Mr. Hair-ud-din Baloch (YP02-BALOCHISTAN01) invited the attention of the House to re-consider the role of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Balochistan and demanded that the FC check posts should be removed immediately and a committee must be formed to monitor the situation.
A resolution
was moved by Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05), Muhammad Irfan Khan (YP07-FATA03) members of opposition party (Green)
and Ali Inam Khan (YP14-KP03) member of government Party
(Blue) demanding that the name of NWFP be changed to
Pakhtunistan/ Pakhtunkhwa or Afghania. They were of the
opinion that Pakhtuns are in majority in NWFP and they have
their legal right to change the name of the province, keeping
in mind that the movement of Pakhtunkhwa is not a secessionist
movement, but it is for the restoration of identity. The
members were of the view that if the major ethnic groups do
not agree to give identity to Pakhtun then the names of the
rest of the provinces should be debated and changed with
regard to their geographical location The problem behind this
issue, they said, is that unfortunately it has been
politicized and therefore it has raised the ethnic and
political temperature of the country. Those against the
resolution said that the cost of renaming the province is very
high and since the province consists of diverse cultures,
renaming it would only cause more divide between the people.
The session was prorogued sine die.
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Panel Discussion on the Balochistan Crisis (L to R) Senator Muhammad Khan Sherani, Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezia, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan and Senator Abdul Malik Baloch |
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Former Senator Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed addressing the Youth Parliament 2009-10 on Revisiting Pakistan's Policy on Terrorism on February 05, 2010 |
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Honourable Mr. Owais Ghani, Governor NWFP addressing to the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 members on February 06, 2010 |
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Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 attending the second session |
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Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 |
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