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| Fifth Session Summary | |||
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Youth Parliament Pakistan
2009-10 Completes its one year term |
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The fifth session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan started from Wednesday, July 28, concluded on Sunday, August 01, 2010, here in Islamabad. The session that spanned over 5 days paid tribute to and mourned the 6 Youth Parliament martyrs that died in the tragic plane crash. The Youth Parliament also discussed topics such as UK’s Foreign Policy towards Pakistan, Foreign Policy of Pakistan and State of Education in Pakistan. Day - 1: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 First Sitting: The first day of the fifth session started with a catastrophic news of the plane crash of Airblue flight ED 202 which carried 6 Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan, including the Youth Prime Minister. The tragic death of the Youth Parliament members brought an air of grief and anguish among the other youth parliamentarians. The PILDAT management and team, its board of directors, board of advisors and the Youth Parliament Steering Committee mourned on the untimely and sad demise of the Youth Parliament members. They were joined in mourning by the alumni of Youth Parliament from across Pakistan as well as the various supporters of the Youth Parliament project. The names and profiles of those martyrs who boarded this flight to attend the fifth session, final session of this batch, of Youth Parliament includes: 1) Mr. Hassan Javed Khan (YP39-SINDH02; Blue) Youth Prime Minister
Mr. Hassan Javed hails from Hyderabad, Sindh. He was born on October 30, 1984 and was working for the Royal Bank of Scotland, Karachi as a Team Head for Client Relationships for the Royal Preferred Banking (RPB) Department. He completed his MSc in Investment and Finance with Distinction from Queen Mary, University of London, UK. During his stay there, he participated in University of London Squash League. Mr. Javed secured Gold medals at Hyderabad B.I.S.E Inter-school Squash Tournament consecutively in 1998 & 1999. He believed in an independent and sovereign Foreign Policy, uniform Educational System and strong Justice System.
2) Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi (YP41-SINDH04; Blue), Youth Information Minister
Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi hails from Karachi and was born on May 11, 1989. Having completed her GCE O Levels from the Mama Parsi School and GCE A Levels from the Karachi Grammar School, she was pursuing a BSc in Economics and Finance as an external student of the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE). During her school years, she held various leadership positions, including memberships in various student councils. She served as an elected office bearer of the Students' Union in her college. Ms Naqvi interned at various institutions, including banks, media firms and NGOs, and planned to follow a career in national politics.
3) Mr. Prem Chand (YP38-SINDH01; Blue), Youth Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs
Mr. Prem Chand hails from Sanghar, Sindh. He was born on April 03, 1984 and was studying for a Masters in Social Work at the University of Sindh. He was a social work student and performed numerous activities in this regard.
4) Mr. Bilal Jamaee (YP44-SINDH07; Green), Youth Shadow Minister for Information
Mr. Bilal Jamaee was born on June 14, 1987 in Karachi. He was a 2nd Year student for Mass Communication at the University Of Karachi and served as the General Secretary of 'Bazm-e-Adab'. He participated in numerous Debating Competitions and had written a number of stories for children's magazines. Mr. Jamee worked for two years at Elite Pulishers as Asst. Manager. Mr. Bilal Jamaee was part of the recent Youth Parliament Study Visit to UK that took place from July 5-9, 2010.
5) Mr. Owais bin Laiq (YP45-SINDH08; Green), Member Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Information
Mr. Owais Bin Laiq hails from Karachi and was born on June 20, 1988. Following the completion of his GCE O and A Levels, he joined the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) for a bachelor degree in business administration. Passionately engaged in the field of media, he was the manager of the Media and Publication Society at the IBA and also won various contests, such as the National Samaa TV Documentary Competition. Mr. Laiq also notably interned at International Business Machine (IBM). Possessing a keen interest in travelling, he visited India, Iran, UAE, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
6) Syed Arsalan Ahmad (YP42-SINDH05; Blue), Member Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Information
Syed Arsalan Ahmed hails from Karachi and was born on February 27, 1988. He completed his Matriculation with A-1 grade and his Intermediate in Pre-Engineering with an A grade. He then went on to complete his Bachelors in Textile Engineering from SFDAC University. Mr. Arsalan was actively involved in debates both in his college and university life. He won several medals while representing his university in national debating events on several occasions.
Day - 2: Thursday July 29, 2010 Second Sitting: Mr. Adam Thomson CMG, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, joined Youth Parliament on the first regular session after the tragedy of the death of 6 Members of Youth Parliament. He offered his condolences and observed a minute of silence on the sad and tragic death of MYPs. Mr. Thomson, addressing the Youth Parliament on the topic of UK’s Foreign Policy towards Pakistan said, “UK will never turn its back on Pakistan, Pakistan lost more soldiers in the fight against militancy than Britain has lost in many wars and the sacrifices Pakistani citizens are huge”. He discussed in detail the support UK has committed to provide to Pakistan, despite cuts in every government department back home. He added that education, population and democracy are three key areas that youth of Pakistan may like to focus on. The societal discourse on these three key areas needs to be accelerated and UK’s policy focus in Pakistan needs to be towards Youth as Pakistan is a very young country in terms of demographics. This is both a unique opportunity and a challenge for Pakistan as well. He also added that democracy in Pakistan will succeed when a democratic elected government precedes another. Mr. Thomson said that UK’s policy towards Pakistan focuses on trade, youth, education, and skill-building. Answering a question about what is the role UK is playing in resolving Kashmir and the water disputes, Mr. Thomson said that Britain wishes to see friendly relations between Pakistan and India but the issues between the two nations need to be resolved between. He believed that while Pakistani’s look for ways to resolve water issues, water conservation should also be one of the major strategies adopted. Mr. Thomson was presented with a Youth Parliament memento by the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs. The second day of Youth Parliament session ended with grief and sorrow. DAY - 3: Friday July 30, 2010 Third Sitting: Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan addressed the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the third day on the topic Pakistan’s Foreign Policy. Mr. Kasuri began his talk by offering heartfelt condolences on the demise of 6 of Pakistan’s future leaders. He commended the Youth Parliament for displaying maturity in continuing with the session despite the huge loss as that truly is a befitting tribute to their martyred members. “Realism and idealism both are important in the formulation of foreign policy. The strength and weakness of a foreign policy is directly related to the country’s governance, economic and domestic situation, he said. He said that Pakistan has failed to tell its side of the story on its role in war against terrorism and militancy to the World. He believed that foreign policy of a country cannot be partisan but it has to a multi-partisan policy that reflects the consensus in the society. Mr. Kasuri believed that Youth Parliament projects soft power of Pakistan and the project, with its intent of harnessing youth’s leadership potential, which should be encouraged. “The role of leadership is important in mobilizing people,” said Mr. Kasuri. Our government was able to improve relations with all our neighbours including India. He added that the Kashmir issue remains a daunting task though Pakistan had made major strides towards resolving the issue under the previous regime. Answering a question about Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan, Mr. Kasuri said that we can change everything but our neighbour. It is unfortunate that the West, including the British Prime Minister Cameron’s recent statement, blames us for running with hares and hunting with the hounds, but they misunderstand Pakistan’s intent. Afghanistan is our neighbour and we have to talk to all parties there for a long lasting peace and a working relationship. Pakistan is committed for regional peace and stability but some jihadi groups enjoy popular support which displays a negative image of our country. Mr. Kasuri said that Pakistan’s relations with Israel are 50 year old. Both Israel and Pakistan are aware of each other’s capacity to harm each other. He said that the purpose behind our contacts with Israel has been the proposition of Land for Peace presented by King Abdullah, in a resolution passed by Arab League. Since Israel wanted to develop relations, it was prudent to send a signal from our side. Earlier that day the, session began with oath taking of the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Ms. Ayesha Bilal Bhatti (YP27-PUNJAB09).During the discussion, the House invited the attention of Honourable Speaker towards the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and demanded immediate measures to restore normalcy from the government. “Modes of preservation of rain water must be adopted by building huge reservoirs that can be used for other purposes as well”, said the Leader of Opposition, Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05). Another Calling Attention Notice was presented on the issue of violence against women and asked for strict action for the perpetrators from the Government. The recent issue of violence on Nurse of Jinnah Hospital, Karachi was discussed and an explanation was also demanded. A resolution was passed that the SAARC forum for PAK-INDIA Economic Integration in the energy sector. The House was of the view that it will be beneficial for Pakistan and India to be on the same platform to cope with energy crisis and economic integration. DAY 4: Saturday, JULY 31, 2010 Fourth Sitting: On the fourth day of Youth parliament, session five, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, MNA; former Federal Minister for Education addressed the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the topic of the State of Education in Pakistan. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal began his speech by offering his heartfelt condolences on the death of 6 Youth Parliament Members. He said that the country has lost 6 future leaders. Mr. Iqbal chose to deliver his talk in Urdu by underscoring that a nation which relegates its national language and does not use it as the language for reasoning and creative thought cannot go very far in terms of mastering innovation and development. He said that Lack of political will is the key reason for not achieving the Education goals and that today, 25 million Pakistani’s are in the age bracket of 17 to 35 years, but only 5% have the privilege to get education in universities and colleges. “Creativity and innovation is dependent on the ability of an individual to question. Questions are always discouraged in our society by our parents, teachers and bosses at the workplace.” He highlighted the need of amendment in the service structures and the infrastructure of our Educational Institutions. “Teachers must be provided with proper training and evaluation procedures should be introduced. By ignoring the technical facilities in our institutions, we are facing skill deficiencies in our youth”. He said that our laboratories are not provided with basic requirements and because of this huge setback 70% of our education is in Arts Subject. “We cannot expect quality product from low motivated and less paid teachers”. He added that, “Unfortunately we belong to the category of growing bellies and shrinking minds. Our education system needs to be decentralized and District Education Authorities must be created to perform governance and operation.” Referring to the policies of the Government, he said that in the 18th amendment, curriculum coordination at national level was removed and given to provincial level. It can lead to having separate curriculum in every province rather than a single unified curriculum at the national level. He added that the recent budget allocation of 2% GNP is not enough for the education system and qualitative changes cannot be brought. It will eventually lead to killing the talent of our youth.” “Implementation is not present due to lack of political will and political instability. This is time for accountability of leaders by the youth which can be achieved by reforming the education system.” Mr. Ahsan Iqbal said that in order to become an agent of change, our public sector education system must be changed. This change must be accompanied with soft skills such as fairness, pious-ness, justice, respect and care. Only by achieving this we would be able to create a tolerant society. Our youth is facing a dependency syndrome. In order to better equip youth to face the cyber world, training of self evaluation must be provided. He said that Pakistan is also counted in the 10 countries for which it is said that they will not achieve the millennium development goals. Therefore it is necessary that our youth becomes a productive work force having skills and knowledge of international level. According to him brain power is required rather than muscle power, failing which the demographic dividend will become a demographic disadvantage. Answering a question about the education funding of Pakistan from international donors, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal said that beggars cannot be choosers. We need to work for our own benefit and relying on IMF is not enough. He further added in answer to another question that leadership is required in every profession and it is an acquired behavior. Whereas politics is an occupation, when you come to politics you must come with perseverance and energy to challenge the standards of status quo. Earlier that day, the Youth Parliament delegation that undertook a Study Visit to UK from July 5-9, 2010 shared their experiences of the Study Visit. The delegation members fondly reminiscence the time spent with Mr. Bilal Jamaee, one of the delegation members who lost his life during the crash, laid a draft report of the Study Visit to the House. Delegation members including Mr. Lehrasip Hayat, (YP23-PUNJAB05); Youth Leader of Opposition; Syed Manzoor Shah, (YP04-BALOCHISTAN03); Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence; Mr. Hannan Ali Abbasi, (YP15-NWFP04); Former Youth Minister for Information; Ms. Anam Javed Cheema, (YP29-PUNJAB11); Chairperson Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Information; Ms. Zil-e-Huma (YP31-PUNJAB13); General Secretary, Youth Parliament Green Party and Mr. Imtiaz Ali (YP46-SINDH09); Chief Whip, Youth Parliament Green Party, shared lessons learnt during the Study Visit with the House and answered various questions. Mr. Muhammad Kamil Qaddus (YP22-PUNJAB04) from the Green party presented a bill in the House on Fake Degrees of Parliamentarians, Bureaucrats & Government Officials that advocated a uniform criteria for checking and verification of the educational qualifications of the MPs and Bureaucrats. The bill, which underwent a detailed discussion in the House, proposed a 10-year disqualification of the guilty, public apology and 4 year of imprisonment and total return of privileges and benefits through the public office. The bill was unanimously adopted by the House. In a Calling Attention Notice, Ms. Maria Fayyaz (YP32-PUNJAB04) from the Blue party invited the attention of the Honourable Speaker towards the decision of Pakistan Railway to suspend the operation of many trains on account of the so-claimed financial losses. The members discussing the Notice deplored the decision of the Railways and questioned the strange acceptance of the Railways’ decision by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways. The Youth Parliament strongly condemned the decision argued that if cutting the losses of a public corporation is the only criteria that the Government has, instead of the public service, perhaps the best way will be to close down all public corporations altogether including the Railways and the Pakistan International Airlines, etc. Ms. Fatima Salim Khwaja (YP33-PUNJAB15) of the Blue party invited the attention of the Honourable Speaker on the scandalous news about the order of the Turkish Court to the Pakistani Consulate to pay US $ 8000 for the services rendered by Lady Guides, hired to facilitate the entourage of the President of Pakistan during his visit to Turkey in December 2008. The House believed that such incidents become a source of global embarrassment for the Pakistani people and reflect poorly on their integrity. Mr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan (YP13-KP02) of the Green party moved a resolution, which was unanimously approved by the House, that the Government should take immediate steps to improve the working of the Disaster Management Unit and improve emergency care services in the tertiary care hospitals. The House unanimously approved a resolution which demanded that in order to pay a befitting tribute to its six fallen heroes, a memorial must be placed at the site of terrible tragedy of plane crash, Margalla Hills. The House approved the text to be placed at the memorial which stated: “In the loving memory of 6 Youth Parliamentarians who were martyred in the cause of public service and democracy on July 28, 2010: Mr. Hassan Javed Khan Youth Prime Minister; Syeda Rabab Zehra Naqvi, Youth Information Minister; Mr. Bilal Jamaee Youth Shadow Minister for Information; Mr. Prem Chand Youth Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs; Mr. Owais bin Laiq Member Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Information; Syed Arsalan Ahmad Member Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Information: Pakistan has lost 6 future Leaders! From: Youth Parliament Pakistan”. Later that day, a Farewell Dinner and Certificate Distribution Ceremony was held. Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA, the Chief Guest, advised the outgoing session of Youth Parliament 2009-2010 batch that “Do not abdicate your responsibility as Citizens of Pakistan”. “Democracy is the only way forward for Pakistan,” he said, urging Youth Parliament members to be part of the active political process in Pakistan to rid politics and the governance system of the corruption we all love to bemoan of as citizens. Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan began his speech by offering his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of the 6 Members of Youth Parliament in the unfortunate air crash of July 28, 2010 in Islamabad. He said that it was painful that these young and talented people were still undergoing a flowering process through the Youth Parliament and Pakistan expected a lot from them. He presented a poem And Death Shall Have No Dominion by Dylan Thomas to pay what he termed as a befitting tribute to 6 fallen heroes of Youth Parliament. He said that the hope relating to the 6 fallen heroes is alive in the shape of Youth Parliament Pakistan. In his address to the Youth Parliament Pakistan, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, who serves as a member of the Youth Parliament Steering Committee in an honorary position, said that Youth Parliament has given him hope that the Youth of Pakistan is conscious to its responsibilities to the collective good of Pakistan. “I was despondent looking at the young Pakistanis that although they have talent, enthusiasm and brains, all this is generally directed towards landing themselves a job at a multinational and to be spent towards selling soap or oil,” he said. “It is ironic that those who are most blessed and privileged in Pakistan are the most despondent about the future of Pakistan”. He further added that neither Pakistan’s problems are a creation due to a conspiracy by India or Israel, nor the citizens of Afghanistan or another country are going to resolve Pakistan’s problems. Until you rid yourself of the concept that Pakistan exists only so that it can give you a lucrative career and executive post and authority and that you do not owe anything to Pakistan, things are unlikely to change. Mr. Khurram said that the corrupt, illiterate, fake-degree holders in Pakistan’s politics that we all love to complain about are here because educated, committed citizens of Pakistan do not feel the necessity to be part of active politics in Pakistan,. “Democracy is a work in Progress,” he said and it will only be reformed when you take part in it. “I encourage you to join a political party most suited to your worldview and be part of the political and democratic process if you wish for democracy to deliver,” he advised Youth Parliament. Pakistan does not require more arm-chair critics and chattering classes who complain of the ills confronted by Pakistan instead of being part of the process to rectify those. He further added that “We need young people who have the will to clean the system, the swamp that stares us in the face, not those who stand on the sidelines and complain about the ugliness of the swamp.” He said that politics is an excellent mirror of a society and it is the societal behaviour that is reflected into the mirror of politics that needs to be changed. There is this inane desire in the society that only philosopher kings should represent us in Assemblies, and that the job of elected legislators should rise above the politics of gali, naali and thaana. But electoral politics is never absurd and has to respond to the sometimes not-so-pleasant realities of the society. If political parties only have such little choice and no philosopher kings wish to move forward to present their candidacy, only the corrupt, illiterate and fake degree holders are destined to be our representatives, he said. Mr. Khurram Dastgir asked from the youth that “Do you have courage equal to desire”? He said that the price of liberty, of democracy, is eternal vigilance, more so in Pakistan where democracy is crushed every now and then under the boot of the dictator. Democracy is a slow process, it is messy, it sometime features personalities more so than policies, but it is the only system that can take Pakistan forward. “Even if this belief is all that the Youth Parliament experience has been able to inculcate in you, we are satisfied that our job is done,” said Khurram. In the welcoming remarks at the ceremony, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director PILDAT and Secretary General Youth Parliament secretariat, praised the maturity and sense of responsibility of the Youth Parliament 2009-2010 batch, which despite a horrible tragedy of losing 6 members including the leadership, decided to continue the session. Mr. Mehboob reiterated that the purpose behind the Youth Parliament has been to open up space for political leadership amongst youth outside the feudal and dynastic circles of Pakistan; provide a platform where the youth can learn and employ the technique and approach of well-considered, researched and reasoned dialogue and debate instead of sentimental outbursts; listen to, reflect on and accommodate the views of others instead of intolerance and understand and experience the working of the political institutions in the country and abroad. He said that if you carry with you even some of these things, we would believe our efforts have not been in vain. At the end of the ceremony the Youth Parliament members were awarded with certificates. They were also joined by members from the previous two batches of Youth Parliament: 2007 and 2008-2009. The Youth Parliament members gave a standing ovation and a round of applause when the names of the 6 martyred Youth Parliament members were announced during the ceremony. The certificates of the 6 deceased members will be presented to their families by the Secretariat. DAY - 5: Sunday, August 01, 2010 Fifth Sitting: In the concluding day of the fifth and final session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-2010 batch, the members elected a new Youth Prime Minister with a heavy heart while reminiscing about their lost leadership in the plane crash of July 28. Mr. Hassan Sajjad Naqvi (YP25-PUNJAB07) took oath as the Youth Prime Minister. The oath was administered by Youth Deputy Speaker Ms. Ayesha Bilal Bhatti (YP27-PUNJAB09). In his address to the House, the Prime Minister said that he accepted the responsibility just to be able to fill a vacuum procedurally even though the vacuum left by the sad departure of the Youth Prime Minister Mr. Hassan Javed Khan and his cabinet members martyred on July 28 cannot be filled in the minds and hearts of the Youth Parliament. He said that “We vow to carry the mission of our fallen Youth leaders forward and we owe it to Pakistan to step forward and shoulder our responsibilities”. The Prime Minister also filled the vacant cabinet posts after the tragic demise of Youth cabinet members including Ms. Fatima Salim Khwaja (YP-33-PUNJAB15) as the Youth Minister for Information; Mr. Muhammad Adil (YP37-PUNJAB19) as the Youth Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth affairs. The Youth Parliament members also organised a commemoration ceremony at the Margalla Hills, together with the CDA Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi and the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Mr. Tariq Pervaiz to erect a monument for the Youth Parliament martyrs. The Youth Parliament members thanked the CDA Chairman and the staff of CDA for their swift and active facilitation for organising the ceremony and said that they wished to leave behind a monument befitting the martyrs of democracy. CDA Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said that “We plan to build a monument wall near the site of the accident soon to pay our respects to those who lost their lives”. Offering his condolences to the Youth Parliament members at their loss he said that it is the loss of 6 trained future leaders for Pakistan. “One cannot distinguish between the flowers and the faces of the Youth Parliament’s martyred members,” said the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Mr. Tariq Pervaiz commenting on the floral wreathed photographs of the 6 deceased members of the Youth Parliament at the commemorative ceremony while expressing his grief and sorrow at the loss that is both of the nation and of the Youth Parliament and the families of the 6 deceased members. They further added that “We are proud that our youth is conscious, aware and getting trained for its responsibilities towards a democratic Pakistan through the Youth Parliament platform”. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, PILDAT Executive Director and Secretary Youth Parliament Secretariat said that we are both sad and proud today; sad at our huge and irreparable loss of these young leaders and proud that the Youth Parliament, despite such a catastrophe and deep sorrow, displayed maturity worthy as future leaders of Pakistan, in continuing the fifth and final session. He said that “The Youth Parliament decided that the best way to honour their lost members is to discuss the very policies, agendas, bills and issues that their lost members were travelling to present and discuss in the Youth Parliament”. The Steering Committee of the Youth Parliament personally represented by Senator S. M. Zafar, Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai and Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA, and in thoughts, prayers and support by other members including Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, MNA & Patron Youth Parliament, Dr. Donya Aziz, MNA and Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan, MNA, guided the Youth Parliament in that time of grief and was immensely proud of the way the Youth Parliament members steered the final session while welcoming amongst them, and engaging on national issues such as the State of Education and Foreign Policy of Pakistan with, guest speakers such as Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, MNA, former Education Minister of Pakistan; Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, acknowledged Mr. Mehboob. Earlier in the last day of the final session, the Youth Minister for Education, Health and Environment Ms. Maria Fayyaz (YP32-PUNJAB14) tabled the Youth Education Policy 2010. The Youth Education Policy, developed under the leadership and guidance by the deceased Youth Prime Minister Mr. Hassan Javed Khan, was dedicated to his memory and unanimously accepted. To policy, developed on the National Education Policy 2009 of the Government of Pakistan, seeks to enhance budgetary allocation of 7% of the budget for education to up to 15% of the budget in 2015. The Youth Education Policy 2010 highlights reforms of the education system, establishment of schools for the special children, reforming the madressah system and the need to finish the apartheid in the system of education across Pakistan. Development of district education boards; revision of pay scales and incentives for qualified teachers for their retention; elimination of quota system in districts with focus on merit-based tests; development of registered School management committees to increase the parent-teacher interaction; emphasis on the positive role of civil society in making donation banks for books; preparation of annual reports for constant monitoring and evaluation; nationalization of educational curriculum as opposed to the recent move of curriculum as a provincial subject under the 18th Constitutional amendment, etc. are some of the key features of the policy. Discussing the policy, Mr. Muhammad Adil (YP37-PUNJAB19) drew the attention of the House towards the deplorable conditions of Schools for Special Children. He said that these must be provided with well-qualified teachers along with all the necessary facilities like brail books, software facilities, etc. He said that these schools must also be equipped with facilities for extracurricular activities for special children. Mr. Lehrasip Hayat (YP23-PUNJAB05), Youth Leader of the Opposition, added to this policy underscoring the need for proper funding system for Madrassa Education. Ms. Noor Bakht Ghumman (YP28-PUNJAB10) and Ms. Anam Javed Cheema (YP29-PUNJAB11) presented a resolution that the Ministry of Education should take immediate measures to train the teachers to abolish the system and methods of cramming for the students and instead focus on critical learning capacities in students and training for teachers. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the House. The House unanimously adopted another resolution put forward by Mr. Ehsan Naveed Irfan (YP13-KP02) that the Government should take immediate steps to rebuild the institutions, hospitals and properties affected by the 2005 Earthquake and it must also fulfil the promises made in this regard. Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05) invited the attention of the Honourable Speaker that the awarding of extension to the Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani by the Government is negation of the spirit of meritocracy in the country. The House was of the opinion that merit must be promoted in order to keep the true spirit of justice in the country. Through another Calling Attention Notice presented by Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Zalmay (YP16-KP05), the House demanded the immediate restoration of telecommunication and mobile services in D.I Khan and Bannu and to offer immediate relief to the victims of floods in these areas. The last and final sitting of the 2009-2010 batch of Youth Parliament was followed by elections to the Youth Parliament Pakistan Alumni Association 2009-2010. Ms. Anam Javed Cheema (YP29-PUNJAB11) was elected as the President of the YPP Alumni Association 2009-2010, while Syed Manzoor Shah (YP04-BALOCHISTAN03) was elected as the Vice President Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan; Mr. Ehsan Naveed Irfan (YP13-KP02) elected as the Vice President FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Mr. Imtiaz Ali Khuhro (YP46-SINDH09) as Vice President AJK and Sindh; and Ms. Asbah Rehman (YP30-PUNJAB12) was elected as the Vice President Punjab & ICT. The office of the General Secretary (YPPAA 2009-2010) was filled by Mr. Kamil Qudus (YP22-PUNJAB04) while Mr. Muneeb Afzal (YP09-ICT02) was elected as the Finance Secretary. This marked the completion of the final session of the third batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan, a project conceived, planned and implemented by PILDAT since 2007. The first-ever batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan completed its first term successfully in 2007-2008 while the second batch completed its term in 2008-2009. The third batch of Youth Parliament Pakistan, 2009-2010, despite suffering a huge tragedy in the shape of death of its 6 members on-board Airblue flight on July 28, 2010, completed its 1 year term on August 01, 2010. The Youth Parliament Pakistan (www.youthparliament.pk) has been serving as a platform for Pakistani Youth aged between 18-29 years. It is patterned after the National Assembly of Pakistan. Establishment and facilitation of the Youth Parliament is part of PILDAT's focus on Youth in the country and Youth's awareness education and training in the norms of politics and democracy in the country. PILDAT strongly feels that sustainable democracy and the sustainability of sound democratic institutions in Pakistan is not possible without youth's involvement in the democratic and political process even if this involvement is simply as a citizen or voter. |
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Martyrs of the Youth Parliament Pakistan sacrificing their lives for the cause of Strengthening of Democracy in Pakistan |
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Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner, addressing the Youth Parliament Pakistan |
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Mr. Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, former Minister for Foreign Affairs addressing the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the topic of Foreign Policy of Pakistan |
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Mr. Ahsan Iqba, MNA and former Minister for Education addressing the Youth Parliament on the topic of State of Education in Pakistan |
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Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and Member Steering Committee of Youth Parliament addressing at the Farewell Dinner |
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Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director PILDAT giving YPP Membership Certificate |
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CDA Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Mr. Tariq Pervaiz praying for the departed souls of the martyrs |
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CDA Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi and the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Mr. Tariq Pervaiz unveiling the Youth Parliament Monument at Margalla Hills |
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Members casting their votes for the election of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2009-10 Alumni Association |
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