Final Session of 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan Empowers Young Leaders Against Extremism

MYPs at the final session of 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan, at Margalla hotel, Islamabad

Final Session of Youth Parliament Held at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad

Islamabad, May 2–3, 2025 – The 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan® (YPP) concluded its final session at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad, showcasing a powerful display of youth-led civic engagement, policy dialogue, and leadership development. This final gathering marked the end of a year-long initiative that brought together emerging leaders from across Pakistan and abroad.

The session was part of Project CPTP – Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan, an initiative funded by the European Union, led by NACTA, and executed by UNODC in partnership with PILDAT. The project aims to build community resilience and create sustainable youth networks against violent extremism.

L to R: Mr. Troels Vester, Country Representative of UNODC in Pakistan giving his opening remarks & Her Excellency Dr. Riina Kionka, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan giving the inaugural address at the 7th session of 18th YPP

Opening Remarks by International Partners

Mr. Troels Vester, Country Representative of UNODC in Pakistan, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the link between youth empowerment and countering violent extremism (PVE). He stressed that platforms like Youth Parliament Pakistan are vital for promoting peaceful narratives and building civic trust.

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Her Excellency Dr. Riina Kionka, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, delivered the inaugural address. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to youth engagement in democratic governance and highlighted the role of initiatives like YPP in preventing radicalization.

Presentation by the Youth Parliament Pakistan Special committes on PVE to the distinguished panel of Judges at the 7th session of 18th YPP

Youth Presentations on Preventing Violent Extremism

One of the key highlights was the presentation by five Special Committees on PVE. These youth-led committees presented findings on:

  • Lack of civic education
  • Digital radicalization
  • Regional disparities
  • Climate-driven displacement

Proposed solutions included:

  • Civic education programs
  • Youth-led digital literacy campaigns
  • Community dialogue platforms
  • Inclusive policy reforms

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Committee received the highest score from the judging panel, which included:

  • Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law & Justice
  • Mr. Omar Riaz, Director General (PVE), NACTA
  • Qamar ul Islam Raja, Member of National Assembly
  • Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT & Founder of YPP
Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, addressing MYPs on the theme “How Can Youth Overcome Political Disillusionment and Find Hope in the Face of Radicalization?” at the 7th session of 18th YPP.

Climate Change & Extremism: High-Level Policy Dialogue

Day two featured a panel on climate change and extremism, with:

  • Mr. Malik Amin Aslam Khan, former Federal Minister for Climate Change
  • Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, MNA & Parliamentary Secretary for IT
  • Key discussions included:
  • Climate change as a conflict risk multiplier
  • The drying up of rivers as a source of geopolitical tension
  • The need for youth-inclusive, cross-cutting policy frameworks

Members raised thoughtful questions about climate reparations, displacement, and food insecurity, sparking meaningful exchanges between youth and policymakers.

Parliamentary Resolutions & Youth-Led Civic Proposals

The House passed a resolution calling for:

  • Conflict resolution education in academic curricula
  • Peace and tolerance programs in schools and workplaces
  • Promotion of pluralism, active citizenship, and democratic values
  • These resolutions reflect the growing demand for inclusive civic education as a tool to counter extremism and political disillusionment.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Inspires Youth to Reclaim Hope

Former Prime Minister Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi delivered a powerful keynote on:
“How Can Youth Overcome Political Disillusionment and Find Hope in the Face of Radicalization?”

Key points included:

  • Lack of rule of law as a root of disillusionment
  • The need for democratic accountability and institutional reform
  • Youth must be empowered through opportunities and engagement
  • His address was followed by a candid Q&A with members on constitutional reforms, youth empowerment, and political trust-building.

Conclusion: Youth Parliament Ends with a Vision for Democratic Resilience

The final session of the 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan® concluded with the graduation of young members as informed, active, and engaged citizens. The event reinforced the value of youth participation in peacebuilding, democratic governance, and policymaking.

As part of ongoing efforts to prevent violent extremism and promote civic leadership, the session laid down a strong foundation for a more inclusive and resilient Pakistan.