December 02, 2023: The 18th batch of the Youth Parliament Pakistan®, in partnership with TikTok, convened for its inaugural session in Islamabad, marking a pivotal moment in the digital engagement of Pakistan’s youth. This session, held on December 02, 2023, featured around 300 primary members representing all constituencies of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Overseas Pakistanis, along with approximately 300 alternate members. This YPP session, supported by TikTok, is the most extensive and diverse youth representation in Pakistan to date.
The session began with traditional recitations, followed by an oath-taking ceremony led by Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, Former Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan.
President of PILDAT and Founder of Youth Parliament Pakistan® Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob opened the session with welcome remarks that set an inspiring tone for the event. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the young members on their selection, acknowledging their potential to drive meaningful change in Pakistan. Mr. Mehboob also expressed a vote of thanks to TikTok for their partnership, emphasizing how this collaboration not only enriches the experience of the Youth Parliament Pakistan® but also plays a crucial role in connecting with the youth through contemporary digital platforms. He underscored the importance of such partnerships in empowering young leaders and enhancing their ability to engage in important national and global conversations.
Ms. Amna Kausar, Senior Projects Manager PILDAT & Coordinator of YPP provided an orientation on the Youth Parliament Pakistan®, paving the way for a series of insightful discussions.
Ms. Zara Basharat Higgs, Head of Public Policy Programs for South Asia & Pakistan from TikTok, emphasized the platform’s commitment to constructive youth engagement and the fight against online hate speech. The panel also included prominent figures like Mr. Zaigham Khan, Anthropologist and Senior Analyst, Mr. Usama Khilji, Director of ‘Bolo Bhi’, and Mr. Khizer Aziz, DG IT (Policy & Planning) & Syed Abdul Rehman Zafar, Deputy Director (Web) from the ECP, contributing to the dialogue on promoting a culture of peace and tolerance.
A significant moment of the session was when an MYP moved a motion, stating, ‘In the opinion of this honorable House, I hereby move to propose that the government undertake focused and concerted efforts to educate the general public, particularly the youth, on the crucial distinction between the exercise of freedom of speech and the propagation of hate speech.’ This motion was passed by an overwhelming majority, showcasing the commitment of the Youth Parliament Pakistan® to fostering responsible and informed discourse among the youth.
The session also covered the workings of a parliament, delivered by Ms. Amna Kausar, followed by a lively debate on the motion. The successful passing of the motion by a large majority of the members reflected the collective resolve to address critical societal issues.
The Youth Parliament Pakistan®, a project of PILDAT, and supported by TikTok, is dedicated to instilling values of civic education, democracy, peace and tolerance among Pakistani youth. The 18th YPP symbolizes a new era of youth engagement and digital partnership, with this session’s success heralding a promising future for youth-led policy discourse in Pakistan.
