ISLAMABAD: Major political parties on the Youth Policy Dialogue organised by the Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR) in collaboration with the British Council, made assurances to work towards a comprehensive youth policy.
Chaudhry Saeed, Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs applauded the efforts of civil society and political parties in building a consensus on the issue. He reaffirmed his party’s support for the participation of young people in politics and said that his party will provide maximum opportunity to the youth in the upcoming local body elections.
To a question, he replied saying that subjects like income tax and revenue collection would be delegated to the elected assembly so that more resources would be made available in the future for youth policy implementation.
Around 150 people from various walks of life were present on the occasion. They appreciated the effort in bringing together political leaders from different ideologies.
Abdul Rashid Turabi, Jamaat-e-Islami Chief, spoke about the active involvement of the youth in party activities and pledged his full support to the government for the formulation of a youth policy.
While appreciating the organisers of the event, PPP leader Latif Akbar talked about the vital measures needed to incorporate less privileged sections of society in making and implementing youth policy. He reaffirmed his support for the popular demand of youth ranging from 25% quota in local body elections to full functioning of student unions at all levels in colleges and universities.
Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the President of the Muslim Conference, had some divergent views on the performance of the government but he assured the gathering of his full support for the making and promulgation of youth policy providing that the youth representatives are selected in a transparent way.
AJK Assembly Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir, praised all suggestions given by the young participants as well as the guest speakers and emphasised that the government has already taken good care of public service commission and jobs in the education department. He asked for support from young people in carrying out necessary policy reforms and announced the formation of a youth task force as per the directions of the Prime Minister which will help legislate and draft the youth policy.
Shazia Khawar, Director of Society- South Asia in the British Council, reiterated the Council’s commitment to furthering the cause of young people in the region. She spoke about transforming the society through an engagement with the youth and providing future leaders spaces to make their voices heard as a vital pre-requisite to a vibrant democracy in the region.