The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) along with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung recently arranged a trip to Germany for five members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum. The objective of the trip was to educate young parliamentarians about the German parliamentary system. PILDAT recently arranged a roundtable discussion on November 11, 2003 to discuss this visit. The discussion was held at Hotel Marriott, Islamabad from 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM, and concluded with an Iftaar-Dinner.

The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), consisting of MNAs and Senators who were 40 years of age or younger on the date of their election to the Parliament, was established on April 17, 2003 during the first Consultative Session of YPF. The newly elected Parliament has a large number of young members, and among them many first-time legislators. This provides an excellent opportunity to harness their enthusiasm and equip them with the skills and capabilities to better perform their representative, legislative and over-sight functions. PILDAT feels that the process of leadership development can start with these parliamentarians so that new traditions of democratic development can be established. The purpose of the Forum is to provide young parliamentarians with a platform where they can share and develop ideas, improve their legislative and leadership skills, and form inter-regional and inter-party networks. PILDAT intends to hold regular meetings with the Young Parliamentarians Forum and conduct workshops and seminars on issues of national and legislative importance.

There are currently 45 members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum. PILDAT is in the process of formalizing the membership and organisational structure of YPF. A draft constitution of YPF has been distributed amongst members and potential members. Elections for the Executive Committee of YPF are planned to be held before the end of year 2003.

The programme of the Roundtable Discussion was as follows:

3:00 - 3:15 PM : Reception

3:15 - 3:30 PM : Introduction

3:30 - 4:00 PM : Presentation by Senator Sanaullah Baloch, Leader of the YPF Delegation

4:00 - 4:30 PM : Additional Remarks by Other Delegates

4:30 - 5:15 PM : Discussion