As a law student and an active member of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, I always believe in power and capicity of youth to play role as social change actor in society. It was with this mindset that I attended the recent session of the Youth Parliament Pakistan on the 22nd and 23rd of November 2024, held at the historic Old Hall of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore.
This session provided me with a unique and invaluable opportunity to engage with some of the most experienced and distinguished political figures of the region. The discussions, which took place in the Old Hall where MPA’s once used to do Legislation on important matters.
A Platform for Youth Engagement: One of the most striking aspects of the session was the willingness of the panelists to listen to the voices of youth, and to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges facing Pakistan. We discussed everything about Violent Extremism and how to tackle it. As a representative of NA 145 Pakpattan in the Youth Parliament, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to bring the concerns of my constituency to the table. Our discussion with MPA Chaudhary Javed Ahmad focused on the specific challenges faced by our communities, including access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We also discussed the potential of youth to influence positive change, especially when given the right platforms to express their ideas.
Learning from Experienced Politicians: The interaction with Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher was particularly enlightening. She spoke about the importance of non-Muslims representation in politics and governance, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive policies that promote equality and justice. Her insights into the struggles and successes of women in the political arena were not only motivational but also gave me a clearer understanding of the complex dynamics of policymaking.
Faiza Ahmad Malik, a former member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, shared her experiences of navigating the intricacies of provincial politics. Her reflections on how youth can actively participate in legislative processes were particularly insightful. She highlighted the importance of understanding legal frameworks and the need for young leaders to be well-versed in governance and policy issues.
A Call for Youth-Centric Policies: The session also underscored the urgent need for youth-centric policies in Pakistan. Our generation faces many challenges, from unemployment and underrepresentation to a lack of opportunities for civic engagement. It is crucial that we, as youth, not 
only advocate for these issues but also take concrete steps toward creating solutions. The Youth Parliament Pakistan provides a platform for such initiatives, offering a space for us to discuss, debate, and shape policies that will affect the future of our nation. The dialogue with the assembly panelists was a powerful reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but are also the change-makers of today. With platforms like the Youth Parliament Pakistan, we can develop our leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of political processes, and work towards solutions for the challenges our society faces. Attending the Youth Parliament Pakistan session at the Old Hall of the Punjab Assembly was an eye-opening experience that has reinforced my belief in the power of youth to bring about meaningful change. As we continue to face political, social, and economic challenges, it is imperative that the voices of young people are heard and valued. Through platforms such as the Youth Parliament, we can build a future that reflects the aspirations and potential of Pakistan’s youth.
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Mohid Jamil – the writer is student at School of Law Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad – Pakistan and can be reached at mohidjamil5@gmail.com
