Youth Parliament Pakistan

	Second Session Summary
		Second Session of 4th Youth Parliament Pakistan Concluded at Islamabad April 16 to April 20, 2012
	Youth Parliament Pakistan’s 2nd session was scheduled from Monday 16 April – Friday 20 April, 2012. The session was planned to talk on ‘Pak-US Relations’ and ‘Demarcation of the provinces. Day 1: The session started with a calling attention notice to pay tribute to the 135 individuals including 124 soldiers buried under the Siachen avalanche. The Youth Parliament observed 2 minutes of silence in respect of this tragic national loss. The Youth Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Mr. Muhammad Waqar (YP38-PUNJAB18; Blue Party) presented a view which was unanimously accepted that Siachen should no longer be a battleground between Pakistan and India. Both Pakistan and India should come forward with their future policy review and ink a peace treaty for Siachen. Condemning the terrible law and order situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Ms. Mehreen Syeda (YP29-PUNJAB09; Green Party) was of the view that while federal government is also responsible but a greater responsibility to maintain law and order is that of the Government of Gilgit Baltistan which needs to adopt all necessary measures to make the lives of those living in Gilgit Baltistan safe and peaceful. The treasury benches introduced a resolution asking the Federal Government of Pakistan to take strong steps to ensure durable peace in Karachi as it is the hub of all economic activities. Youth Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Muhammad Umar Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16; Blue Party) said that the people of Karachi demand peace. He said that a strong and neutral law enforcement agency is required to bring Karachi to its normal position. DAY 2: The second day of the second session of Youth Parliament began with the discussions on the impact of energy crisis in Pakistan. The first resolution was moved by Mr. Ahmed Numair Farooq (YP21-PUNJAB01; Blue Party) asking the provincial governments to play a pivotal role in the establishment of their own power generation units. The second resolution was moved by Mr. Malik Rehan Baloch (YP04-BALOCHISTAN02; Green Party) which demanded that the Government should abolish all illegal camps in various parts of Balochistan. The members opposed the unjust demographic change in Balochistan, Sindh and KPK. The resolution was passed with majority. The third resolution was moved by Mr. Hassan Ashraf (YP01-AJK01; Blue Party), Mr. Tauseef Abbassi (YP02-AJK02; Blue Party), Mr. Siraj-Ud-Din-Memon (YP57-SINDH09; Blue Party), Mr. Aamir Abbas Turi (YP08-FATA01; Blue Party), Mr. Najeeb Abid Balouch (YP05-BALOCHISTAN03; Blue Party), Ms. Elwina Rauf (YP10-GB01; Blue Party) and Ms. Anum Mohsin (YP22-PUNJAB02; Blue Party) which asked the Government to introduce Constitutional reforms for Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The members discussed that Pakistan’s claim over Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir should not be compromised. Counter Extremism Workshop: Earlier the Youth Parliament members joined a Counter Extremism Workshop especially organised to inculcate in them the skill to understand and define extremism and its various facets and how to effectively counter it as youth of Pakistan. The workshop, spanned over two days of group exercises, discussions, simulation and analysis, has been especially designed to assist youth Parliament in understanding conflicts and extremism and how to effectively tackle these in the society. Day 3: Youth Parliament Pakistan has discussed the measures necessary for the improved governance and economic growth within the country. The third day of the second session of Youth Parliament Pakistan began with a calling attention notice by Ms. Shaheera Jalil Albasit (YP56-SINDH08; Blue Party), Ms. Elia Nauroz Ali (YP03-BALOCHISTAN01; Blue Party), Mr. Ahmed Numair Farooq (YP21-PUNJAB01; Blue Party) and Mr. Gohar Zaman (YP25-PUNJAB05; Blue Party) regarding the increased need of good governance within the country. The advantage of the demarcation of provinces was suggested as a possible solution for the problems prevailing within the different segments of the country. The members stated that good governance can only be ensured if the government takes immediate steps for the improved economic growth. The first resolution was moved expressing the opinion to delay the demarcation of provinces. The supporters of the resolution stated that the current political scenario is not appropriate to launch the process of demarcation of provinces. The resolution was opposed by the majority of the members of the parliament keeping in view the urgent need to devise the mechanism for demarcation. There is need to consolidate the federal state structure by all possible measures. The resolution could not be passed by the House. Day 4: The fourth day of the second session of Youth Parliament Pakistan began with the special prayers for the recovery and health of Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi’s father. Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed Pakistan’s relations with the United States in today’s session. A resolution passed by the Youth Parliament, introduced by Mr. Tabraiz Sadiq Marri (YP58-SINDH10; Green Party) said that every effort should be made to ensure increased cooperation between Pakistan and USA. Pakistan is an integral ally in the war against terrorism. Pak-US relations should be based on mutual respect; Pakistan is a sovereign country and it should make every effort to protect its land and the people. Mr. Riaz Khokhar, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan addressed the Youth Parliament as a Guest Speaker, said that there is a crucial need to redefine and revisit foreign policy of Pakistan. Pakistan should have taken a strict action against United States after the Salala incident. The apology at this time is unreasonable and useless compared to the loss Pakistan has faced. Mr. Riaz Khokhar also stressed that it is wise to be on United States right side rather than on the wrong side. Pak-US relations at the moment depend upon the conditions in Afghanistan. Being an ally, Pakistan should be part of US-Afghan talks and its sovereignty should respect. On way forward, he said that it is in the best interest of Pakistan to work with United States. Pakistan should keep its ‘national interest’ first when it comes to foreign ties. Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed a legislative motion which was moved regarding the requirement of introducing certain legal reforms for the present status of tribal areas. The members from FATA showed their deep concerns about the negative role played by the government in this regard. Mr. Aamir Abbas (YP08-FATA01; Blue Party) discussed that the people of FATA have long been deprived of their basic rights. The Youth Parliament members were of the view that the status of the tribal areas needs to be redefined keeping in view the demands and aspirations of the people of this region. The second motion was moved to discuss the possibility of recognizing the provincial status of FATA. The members discussed that the people of the tribal areas are not enjoying the equal political, social and administrative rights. Mr. Jamal Naseer Jamaee (YP50-SINDH02; Green Party) said that the demarcation of provinces is not the solution of all the problems and we need to be focused on our other basic problems. He said that ‘Good Governance’ is needed in the country before any new provinces are made. He stressed that if new provinces are to be made then they should be made on fair grounds and no political motives should be involved. The motion was successfully passed in the Youth Parliament. Day 5: The fifth and last day of the second session of Youth Parliament began with a resolution which stated that the energy crisis being faced by Pakistan and consequent suffering being inflicted upon its populace appears to be getting worse with every passing day. One of the movers of the resolution Ms. Seep Akhtar Channer (YP55-SINDH07; Blue Party) said that Pak-Iran gas pipeline is in Pakistan’s own economic interest. We should put our interests first regardless of any international pressure. This project should become fully functional and transparent so that Pakistan’s industries can prosper once again. A resolution proposed by Mr. Hunain Ali Quadri (YP49-SINDH01; Green Party) and Mr. Tabraiz Sadiq Marri (YP58-SINDH10; Green Party) was also adopted today discussing that Pakistan should provide the transit trade facility to the Central Asian Republics through Gwadar port which would enable Pakistan to generate revenues that are favourable for economic progress. MYPs were of the opinion that Pakistan should develop communications infrastructure in Balochistan province to link the province with Central Asian countries, which would create job opportunities for the Baloch people and strengthen security ties with neighbours. A legislative bill by the Youth Minister of Interior, Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA Mr. Hassan Ashraf (YP01-AJK01; Green Party) was introduced to amend the Article 257 constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in order to empower the liberated territories of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The bill was unanimously passed. Another resolution proposed by Mr. Haseeb Ahsan (YP51-SINDH03; Green Party) addressing the issue of unbiased media was referred to the concerned committee. He stressed on framing proper rules and regulations by media organisations that should be adopted and practiced by them. Mr. Osama Mehmood (YP42-PUNJAB22; Blue Party) opposed the resolution saying that the media plays a role of a watch dog of the society. The whole media should not be labelled as ‘unbiased’ as some of the journalists have lost their lives while reporting terrorism in the cities of Pakistan. Youth Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Hashim Azeem (YP33-PUNJAB13; Blue Party) requested the chair to refer this resolution to the concerned committee for re-drafting. Hence, the speaker of the House Ms. Sara Abdul Wadood (YP19-KPK06) took the sense of the house and referred the resolution to the committee for re-drafting. The committee would submit its findings within appropriate time after having detailed discussions on the concerned matter. The second session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan was prorogued sine die. Conceived and initiated by PILDAT, the project of Youth Parliament Pakistan has been instituted so as to inculcate democratic culture in Pakistani Youth and to facilitate free but structured expression of their views.

	Mr. Mohammed Feyyaz, a seasoned instructor with extensive experience of leading similar workshops in renowned national institutions, conducting workshop on Counter Extremism


	Mr. Riaz Hussain Khokhar, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan addressing the 2nd Session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012 on April 19, 2012


	Mr. Muhammad Umar Riaz (YP36-PUNJAB16) taking part in the legislative business


	Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan 2012 asking question during workshop on Counter Extremism

Youth Parliament of Pakistan