Youth Parliament Pakistan

	Inaugural Session Summary
		Inaugural Session of 4th Youth Parliament Pakistan Concluded at Islamabad February 20 to February 24, 2012
	The 4th Youth Parliament Pakistan held its First Session at Islamabad from February 20-24, 2012. As a model Parliament for young people, the Youth Parliament Pakistan is patterned after the National Assembly of Pakistan and has 60 members from all over the country. The Orientation On the first day of the session on February 20, 2012, the Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) were given a detailed briefing on their roles and responsibilities in the 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 to 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. Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, MNA and Mr. Hammad Marri, Former Prime Minister First Youth Parliament Pakistan (2007) served as advisers and co-advisers to the Blue Party while Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and Mr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidi, Former Member of the Second Youth Parliament Pakistan (2008-09) served as adviser and co-adviser to the Green Party. The Blue Party enjoys majority in the fourth Youth Parliament Pakistan (2012). Incidentally, the Blue Party formed a majority for the fourth consecutive term bagging 47 seats (78%) as opposed to 13 members (22%) of the Green Party. The 60-member Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012 consists of 28 members from Punjab, 12 members from Sindh, 7 from KP, 5 from Balochistan, 3 from Islamabad Capital Territory, 2 each from FATA and AJK and 1 member from 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 February 23, 2012 in Islamabad by Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, MNA, (NA-24, D.I.Khan, KP, PPPP) Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, and Patron Youth Parliament Pakistan, Engr. Khuram Dastgir Khan, MNA, (NA-96, Gujranwala-II, Punjab, PML-N) Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, MNA, (NA-64, Sargodha-I, Punjab, PPPP) Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, MNA, (NA-4, Islamabad-II, ICT, PML-N), Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan, MNA, (NA-288, Women Punjab-XVI, Punjab PML-N), Senator S. M. Zafar, Chairman Steering Committee of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly and Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director-PILDAT. Speaking as the chief guest at the Inaugural Session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, MNA, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, said that the political parties can be credited with the performance of the Parliament. This Parliament has passed three Constitutional Amendments and 95 bills, majority of which were passed with consensus. The performance of the Standing Committees has improved in this Parliament and Public Accounts Committee is a good example. He further said that politics is a thankless profession and in our country legislators are doing the work of local governments. The coverage of institutions such as the Parliament by the media has been very negative which is unfortunate. He appreciated the work undertaken by PILDAT with regards to legislative development and youth participation in politics and democracy. He called upon the members of the Youth Parliament to take part in the policy making process at the national level. Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce and member Steering Committee of the Youth Parliament, started by congratulating the members of the Youth Parliament for their selection. He said that we have to move away from stereotypes of politics. One of the things one learns at the Parliament is that there are different ethnicities, cultures and interpretations of Pakistan in this country. As members of the Youth Parliament you have to learn to respect this diversity in the country. He said that being a public representative means that you have to look at issues from perspectives of the people which can be different and contradictory. Politics is the mirror of the society and if you do not like the mirror do not blame it. Legislators not only have to legislate and provide oversight but also have to represent their people. A public representative is the broker between the state and the people to ensure that the state delivers. One should understand that Parliament and Executive are two different things altogether and should not be confused for one. Reform, he said, is a difficult process but nevertheless worth aspiring for. One should be committed to change despite the consequences. Senator S. M. Zafar, Chairman Steering Committee of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, said that this Youth Parliament is the future Parliament of Pakistan. Youth of Pakistan thinks that Education is necessary for progress which is very positive. An educated citizen can be a good citizen which is the ultimate goal. He further urged the Youth Parliamentarians to take decisions based on their conscience because they are the future leaders of the country. His Excellency Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, while addressing the Youth Parliament said that Pakistan is a wonderful country. There is a will to change in the people of Pakistan which is very positive. The Kingdom of Denmark will not show you the direction but help you in achieving the direction you choose for yourself. He said that his country can facilitate development in Pakistan. In Pakistan there are many islands of excellence and there is a need to build a bridge between these Islands. He concluded by asking the Parliamentarians “Go out there and make a change”. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director-PILDAT, began by paying tribute to the six martyred members of the third Youth Parliament. While explaining the concept of the Youth Parliament, he said that the concept emerged as a way for young people to “learn by doing,” through taking part in Youth Parliament. It was felt that practice on the benches of a mock Parliament can be useful in deciding how to become a more active citizen, either inside or outside formal politics. The six standing committees of the Youth Parliament will approach their counterpart parliamentary committees in the National Assembly and the Senate. The Members of the Youth Parliament will be introduced to their respective Members of the National assembly and members of the Legislative Assemblies in the case of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and an effort will be made to foster a working relationship between the Members of the Youth Parliament and their respective elected MNAs or MLAs both in the Parliament at Islamabad and in the constituencies. He said that political parties have generally remained weak due to extended periods of autocratic rules and there is no mechanism to allow young entrants to a party to freely voice their opinions within the party structures. PILDAT felt it important to engage the Pakistani Youth in healthy discourse and expose them to democratic traditions and culture so that they may be groomed as a civilised, tolerant and peaceful citizens The Sittings of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012 The fourth Youth Parliament Pakistan held four sittings during the First Session in addition to 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. Former Senator Syed Fasih Iqbal and Editor of Balochistan Times addressed the Youth Parliament of Pakistan. He began by highlighting the historical and geographical importance of the province. He said that before blaming other countries for interfering in Balochistan we should put our house in order. The murder of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in 2006 is very unfortunate and all those who were in power are responsible for the abject state of affairs in Balochistan today. He further said that the present leadership of the province is not representative of the real Balochistan. He concluded by saying that the Civil-Society in the country should come forward and put pressure on the Government to stop the Human Rights violations in the province. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director-PILDAT, addressed the Youth Parliament over the issue of New Electoral Rolls in Pakistan. He discussed the preparation of the Electoral Rolls 2007 and new electoral rolls. He said that although Rs. 1 billion was spent on the 2007 Voters List but it proved to be faulty. He said that preparation of an accurate Voters List is absolutely necessary for holding free and fair elections in the country. He also commended some of the efforts such as implementation of the concept of ‘one CNIC, one vote’ by the Election Commission, collaboration between Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) & National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and inclusion of voters pictures in Electoral Rolls. The Youth Parliament of Pakistan, which was meeting for the second day of its first session today, asked several questions from both panellists to understand various dimensions of related issues. A Resolution was moved by Mr. Malik Rehan Baloch (YP04-Balochistan02) and Mr. Muhammad Haseeb Ahsan (YP51-Sindh03) regarding Balochistan. The resolution called upon the Government to find an immediate solution to the problems of Balochistan. Members discussed the issues such as missing persons, role of Frontier Constabulary (FC), performance of the provincial government of Balochistan and the economic disparities of the province. Many members spoke about the decaying situation in the province. The Resolution also condemned the US Congressional hearing on Balochistan and US Congressman’s Resolution demanding self-determination for people of Balochistan in the US House of Representatives. The members deemed it as an attempt to arm-twist Pakistan, so that it gives in on other issues such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. The Second Sitting Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director-PILDAT, addressed the Youth Parliament on the issue of “*Electoral Reforms in Pakistan”. She said that after the 18th Amendment the process of appointing the Chairman and full-time Members of the Election Commission of Pakistan will be made by a Parliamentary Committee which is a positive step. Until the 17th Amendment the appointment of the caretaker Prime Minister was the sole prerogative the President. This resulted in many controversial appointments. The 18th Amendment necessitated that the President will appoint the caretaker Prime Minister in consultation with the outgoing Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition. However, the term of consultation had not been defined properly. PILDAT as a citizen organization went to the Supreme Court asking it to define the process of ‘consultation’. Under the 20th Amendment a Parliamentary Committee with equal representation from the Treasury and Opposition will appoint the Election Commission. This is a positive step in ensuring the transparency in the Commission. While talking about the Electoral Reforms in the country she said that a Code of Conduct for Elections should also have a strong legal framework which should work as a deterrent for possible offenders. The Election Commission should revise the limit of expenditure during elections for a seat of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies and then properly implement it. Moreover, she said that the Election Commission should ensure a permanent polling scheme. The number of polling stations should also increase. She said that young people should make an informed choice on the basis of party manifestoes and the record of the candidate you are voting for. Member Youth Parliament Mr. Muhammad Hammad Malik (YP16-KPK03), Mr. Yasir Riaz (YP12-ICT02) and Mr. Muhammad Taimoor Shah* (YP35-Punjab15) moved a motion on the issue of Energy Crisis in the country. While discussing the energy crisis in Pakistan, the majority of Youth Parliament members believed that the Federal Government can solve the issue of energy in the country but it has not been able to do so due to lack of political will and foresight. Pakistan has the installed capacity to produce 20000 Mega Watts, but it is only producing around half of this capacity. The Youth Parliament members also believed that the Government should look to produce energy from alternate sources such as Wind and Solar. Later, Youth Parliament Standing Committee Chairpersons on Law, Parliamentary Affairs & Human Rights, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Standing Committee on Information, Standing Committee on Interior, Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and FATA and Standing Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs were elected. The Third Sitting Fourth day of the first session of Youth Parliament of Pakistan culminated in the completion of the ascertainment process for the Leader of the House as well as election for the Deputy Speaker Youth Parliament Pakistan. A democratic process was adopted, same as in the National Assembly of Pakistan, for the ascertainment of the member who commanded the confidence of the majority of the members. Mr. Mohammad Hashim Azeem (YP33-Punjab13; Blue Party) emerged as Youth Leader of the House. He obtained 47 votes out of 54 MYPs who had been administered oath. In his address after he took oath as the Youth Prime Minister, Azeem said that he would uphold the system of merit and ‘right person for the right job’ in choosing his Youth Cabinet. Mr. Fahad Mazhar Ali (YP15-KPK02; Green Party), aspirant for the PM position from the Green party, emerged as the Leader of the Opposition. Earlier in the day, Ms. Sarah Abdul-Wadood (YP-19-KPK06; Blue Party) was elected as the Deputy Speaker Youth Parliament Pakistan through the process of secret ballot, as is the tradition in the National Assembly of Pakistan. She obtained 39 votes out of 54 Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) who had been administered oath. The Fourth Sitting The House adopted a resolution condemning the bomb blast in Peshawar. The resolution moved by Mr. Salman Khan Shinwari (YP18-KPK05), Mr. Amir Abbas Turi (YP08-FATA01) and Mr. Noman Nayyar Kolachi (YP17-KPK04) stated that: “This House condemns the bomb blast in Peshawar and urges the Government to find out the actual causes of terrorism in our country in order to move towards its solutions.” The Leader of the House announced the Youth Cabinet. The cabinet members include Mr. Umer Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16) as Youth Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, Mr. Muhammad Usama Riaz (YP37-PUNJAB17) as Youth Minister for Information, Mr. Ahmed Numair Farooq (YP21-PUNJAB01) as Minister for Finance, Planning Affairs and Economics, Mr. Hafeez Ullah Wazir (YP09-FATA02) as Minister for Interior, Kashmir Affairs, GB, and FATA, Mr. Hassan Ashraf (YP01-AJK01) as Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Mr. Muhammad Waqar (YP38-PUNJAB18) as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence. Dr. Ali Raza (YP14-KPK01), was elected as the General Secretary and Ms. Elia Nauroz Ali (YP03-BALOCHISTAN01) was elected as the Chief Whip of the Blue Party. The Chairs of the Youth Parliament Standing Committee include Ms. Yusra Farooq (YP13-ICT03; Blue Party) as Chairman Standing Committee on Finance, Planning Affairs and Economics, Mr. Salman Khan Shinwari (YP18-KPK05; Blue Party) as Chairman Standing Committee for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, Mr. Omair Najam (YP52-SINDH04; Blue Party) as Chairman Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Mr. Taimoor Shah (YP35-PUNJAB15; Green Party) as Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mr. Tauseef Abbassi (YP02-AJK02; Blue Party) as Standing Committee on Interior, Kashmir Affairs, GB, and FATA, Ms. Sahar Iqbal (YP44-PUNJAB24; Blue Party) as Chairman Standing Committee on Information, Mr. Najeeb Abid Baloch (YP05-BALOCHISTAN03; Blue Party) as Chairman Special Committee on Balochistan Issues and Mr. Muhammad Hammad Malik (YP16-KPK03; Green Party) as Chairman Special Committee on Energy Issues. The Leader of the Opposition announced Shadow Cabinet. Following portfolios were allotted to the members; Mr. Jamal Naseer Jamaee (YP50-SINDH02) as Shadow Minister for Interior, Kashmir Affairs, GB, and FATA, Mr. Naveed Hassan (YP41-PUNJAB21) as Shadow Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Malik Rehan Baloch (YP04-BALOCHISTAN02) as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mr. Yasir Riaz (YP12-ICT02) as Shadow Minister for Finance, Economics & Planning, Mr. Shan Haider (YP-20-KPK07) as Shadow Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, Mr. Haseeb Ahsan (YP51-SINDH03) as Shadow Minister for Information. Mr. Muhammad Hammad Malik (YP16-KPK03) was elected as the General Secretary and Ms. Mehreen Syeda (YP29-PUNJAB09), was elected as the Chief Whip of Green Party. The session was prorogued sine die.

	His Excellency Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan (second from left) with Members Steering Committee Youth Parliament Pakistan (L to R) Ms. Anusha Rehman Khan, Senator S. M. Zafar (3rd from Left), Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan and Dr. Taraq Fazal Chaudhary at Inauguration of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012


	Ms. Anusha Rehman Khan, Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator S. M. Zafar, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary cutting cutting the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012 cake to mark the Inauguration


	Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly Pakistan taking oath from Youth Prime Minister Mr. Mohammad Hashim Azeem (YP33-Punjab13; Blue Party)


	Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly Pakistan taking oath from Youth Deputy Speaker Ms. Sarah Abdul-Wadood (YP-19-KPK06; Blue Party)

Youth Parliament of Pakistan