 |
| Fouth Session Summary | |||
 |
Fourth Session of 4th Youth Parliament Pakistan Concluded at Islamabad August 27 to August 31, 2012 |
||
|
Youth Parliament Pakistan called upon its 4th session from 27 – 31 August, 2012. The session was called on to discuss the Pakistan India Relations. The Members also discussed the Role of Media and Media Reforms in Pakistan. Day 1: Youth Parliament Pakistan’s 4th session proceedings in the house were initiated with a resolution expressing solidarity with the Muslims of Myanmar. Youth Parliament Pakistan started its 4th Parliamentary session in Islamabad with the discussion on Burma killings. The parliamentarians urged the Government of Pakistan to utilize diplomatic channels in order to deal with the unjustified bloodshed of the Muslims. “Concrete actions should be taken by the government of Myanmar in order to ensure the access of international media to the areas which have been the direct subject of the brutality and discriminatory policy against the Rohingya Muslims”, a motion moved by Minister of Finance Planning Affairs and Economics Mr. Najeeb Abid Baloch (YP05-BALOCHISTAN03). Day 2: On the second day of the session; in an interactive session on the topic of Pak-India Relations Honourable Nawabzada Malik Amaad Khan, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, shared his analysis with the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the Pak-India Relations and the way forward. He said, “Increased trade between the neighbours will have a positive impact on Pak-India relations. There is total distrust between the two nations. So, the question arises as to what we can do to eliminate the trust deficit. Keeping in view the present international scenario, the regional cooperation organisations can play a pivotal role towards the peaceful settlement of international disputes.” He stressed upon the dire need of setting aside the perpetual hawkish attitude by the political leadership of both the nuclear armed neighbours. “The parliamentarians of both the countries have always been very keen for taking concrete steps as a significant part of the existing confidence building measures”, the Honourable Minister added. He expressed appreciation for the intellectual capacity possessed by the youth parliamentarians regarding the issues of national and international concern. Day 3: Third day proceedings of the house were initiated by the originally starred and un-starred questions. In response to a question, Mr. Muhammad Umar Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16), Youth Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights said, “National Accountability Bureau, being an anti-corruption organization is charged with the responsibility of elimination of corruption through holistic approach of awareness, prevention and enforcement. The Bureau’s operational functions are enumerated in section 9 of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAB) Ordinance 1999.” Ms. Shaheera Jalil Albasit (YP56-SINDH08), Youth Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defense explained the agreement existing between Government and USA through which Pakistan agreed to open NATO supplies. Mr. Aamir Khan Khichi (YP30-PUNJAB10), Youth Minister of Interior, Kashmir Affairs, GB and FATA highlighted the steps taken by the government to control the smuggling of goods from India to Pakistan.
While discussing a resolution Ms. Ushna Ahmed (YP59-SINDH11) was of the view that in order to take a step forward in normalizing Pakistan-India relation the visa restrictions between the two countries should be relaxed. Mr. Haseeb Ahsan (YP51-SINDH03) condemned the violation of territorial laws by India. Mr. Muhammad Zafar Siddique (YP39-PUNJAB19) said that the dual nationality bill would compromise our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The House also discussed various resolutions regarding the student unions, recent killings of Shia Community in Babo Sur. Day 4: Addressing Youth Parliament Pakistan on the fourth day of the session, Mr. Shafqat Abbasi, Chairman Press Council of Pakistan, laid stress on the need of introducing reforms for the unprejudiced coverage by media personals. He illuminated the multidimensional aspects of accountability, democratic practices and capacity building of regulatory bodies. Youth Parliament Pakistan’s second guest, Political Show Host Mr. Matiullah Jan said, “Democracy and dictatorship can never be compared on similar grounds keeping in view the detrimental influences of undemocratic practices in the past.” He was of the view that the legal prosecution should be institutionalized in order to deal with the prevalent malpractices in the diverse field of journalism. The manoeuvring of corporate sector in media is exploiting its outreach and effects. Earlier, the proceedings of the house were initiated by a Government bill introduced by Mr. Muhammad Umar Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16), Youth Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Right to amend the “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).” Ms. Ushna Ahmed (YP59-SINDH11) and Mr. Tabraiz Sadiq (YP58-SINDH10) introduced a private member bill in order to prevent the electronic crimes within the country. Ms. Shaheera Jalil Albasit (YP56-SINDH08), Youth Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence present Youth Foreign Policy 2012. Mr. Muhammad Sohail (YP34-PUNJAB14) and Ms. Rabiya Shamim (YP53-SINDH05) tabled a resolution for discussing that Pakistan and India should consider the possibility of inking an extradition treaty keeping mutual benefits in mind. “It would have constructive impact on the security concerns of both the nations and will help improve their relations in nearby future”, Mr. Muhammad Sohail (YP34-PUNJAB14) added. Ms. Anum Zia (YP23-PUNJAB03) was of the opinion that Government funding for political advertisements should be banned within the country in order to give the general population an opportunity to self-evaluate and choose the leaders. Recognizing media as the fourth pillar of state, Mr. Osama Mehmood (YP42-PUNJAB22) emphasized the significance of code of ethics. All the resolutions proposing media reforms were adopted unanimously by the house. Day 5: The last day of the fourth session of Youth Parliament was initiated by the Government bills introduced by the concerned Youth Ministers for Law, Parliamentary Affair and Human Right Mr. Muhammad Umar Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16), Youth Minister for Interior, Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA, Mr. Muhammad Aamir Khan Khichi (YP30-PUNJAB10) and Youth Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Mr. Gohar Zaman (YP25-PUNJAB05). Mr. Najeeb Abid Baloch (YP05-BALOCHISTAN03) moved a motion to discuss the parameters of state institutions in perspective of ongoing disturbances between the executive and the apex court of the state. Mr. Muhammad Sohail (YP34-PUNJAB14) said that there is dire need to deal with the lack of coordination between the industries and technical institutions to improve the technical and practical skills of the masses. Ms. Yusra Farooq (YP13-ICT03) and Mr. Yasir Riaz (YP12-ICT02) presented the Committee Reports on “Small and Medium Size Enterprises” and “Foreign Direct Investment” respectively. Mr. Malik Rehan (YP04-BALOCHISTAN02) was of the view that the Government should lift ban from all Baloch websites that are pertaining to the news, culture and education. Mr. Osama Mehmood (YP42-PUNJAB22) said that incidents of violence at educational institutions must be dealt with priority in a transparent manner. Mr. Gohar Zaman (YP25-PUNJAB05) also presented the Special Committee Reports on “Southern Punjab”. Mr. Omair Najam (YP42-PUNJAB22) moved a resolution to discuss that the launch of 3D and 4G technologies in Pakistan is vital for the growth of both Telecom sector and Economy of Pakistan. Moreover he stressed upon the need to revisit sales and purchase agreement between Aetsalat and Government. The 4th Youth Parliament Pakistan is supported by the Danish International Development Agency, Government of Denmark as recognition of the importance of young people's involvement in democracy and democratic practices.
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Honourable Nawabzada Malik Amaad Khan, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Pakistan |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Mr. Iftikharullah Babar, Secretary Senate briefing the members of Youth Parliament Pakistan on their visit to Senate of Pakkistan |
|||
|
|
|||
|
(L to R) Mr. Matiullah Jan, Political Show Host, Ms. Sarah Abdul Wadood Khan (YP19-KPK06), Youth Deputy Speaker and Mr. Shafqat Abbasi, Chairman Press Council of Pakistan |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Mr. Osama Mehmood (YP42-PUNJAB22) taking part in the legislative business |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Youth Parliament Pakistan Session in Progress |
|||
|
© 2007-2012 Youth Parliament Pakistan |