Despite the bouts of political instability suffered by Pakistan over the years, the country's youth are being put through their democratic paces.

A Youth Parliament, started in 2006 to discuss a wide range of issues, provides a platform for the young to learn democratic practices and discuss issues of concern to young people in Pakistan.

The 2007 sessions were lively, sometimes heated and critical, but with lots of youthful idealism.  There was high emotion as well as sharp analysis and, judging from the feedback from members – MYPs - the experience taught them not only to tolerate each other’s views but also learn from the differences of opinion.

Supported financially by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Parliament meets 30 days a year in Islamabad.  Last summer the UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, addressed the 60 members  who come from all over the country, on the importance of youth activism and the shared values between the UK and Pakistan. 

Lasts for a year

Each Parliament – 60 members strong and open to young men and women aged between 18 and 29 - lasts for a year.

It was launched by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), which feels strongly feels that sustainable democracy and sound institutions in Pakistan are not possible without young people's involvement in the democratic and political process, even if only as citizens or voters.

PILDAT's overwhelming aim is to strengthen Pakistan's democratic institutions and inculcate democratic culture in the society. It argues on its website that "we need to discourage extremist tendencies and lack of tolerance for others’ beliefs and views and strengthen the rule of law."

Patterned on the National Assembly

The Youth Parliament is patterned after the country's parliament, the National Assembly of Pakistan, although its membership is smaller. It follows the National Assembly's rules, so far as is practicable.  

The Youth Parliament's main aims are

• to debate matters of national and international concern

• to demand accountability from those in government

• to discuss legislation in committee

• to change government without recourse to civil disorder; and

• to make and enforce their own rules of conduct. 

In addition it is a useful forum to voice views of the young Pakistanis about a range of national and international issues. 

Number of women

At the moment the Parliament is made up of  72 per cent of men and 28  per cent of women, although it is hoped that female membership will rise to at least one-third over the next few years.

MYPs aren't elected.  They reply to advertisements and are then interviewed and invited to join.

Efforts are made to ensure that all provinces and territories of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir are represented, including an adequate number of women, and those belonging to religious minorities.

Commitment

Additionally candidates have to show

• A commitment to politics and democracy  

• Understanding of issues  

• Previous activist involvement  

• Communication skills

The next few years should see the project as a permanent part of Pakistan's political life.  Who knows, some of the youthful MYPs might end up in the country's National Assembly, running the country for real.

For more information about FCO's work in Pakistan, visit the High Commission website.  See our preventing and resolving conflict pages for more about FCO policy.