ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: Leaders of seven major political parties have agreed on the need to encourage the youth to help build strong political parties and create a democratic political environment in the country.

Leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pashtunkhaw Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) were addressing a National Youth Conference, organized by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), here on Monday.

The conference marked the successful completion of NDI’s programme to strengthen youth political participation in political parties of Pakistan. Around 50 young leaders from nine major political parties participated in the year-long programme in which they revamped the youth wings of their parties.

The secretary general of the PML-Q, Senator Mushahid Hussain, said his party had given important roles and responsibilities to their young members as well as extending the right to vote to the youth. “Credit for giving the right to vote to young people when they reach the age of 18 years goes to the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League and the President Gen Pervez Musharraf,” he said.

Mr Hussain was of the view that government servants should also be permitted to take part in politics. He said national reconciliation must be broad-based and stressed that it was the responsibility of the entire nation to work for it and not of a particular political party or group.

PPP vice chairman, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, said practical politics groomed true leaders and it was very important for the youth to be involved in politics. “(The) role of (the) youth is being recognized by every party because only (the) youth can save the country from the current political and governance crisis,” he said, adding that his party was providing greater number of tickets than ever to the youth and to the women for general seats.

Former chief minister and president PML-N, NWFP, Pir Sabir Shah said parties have not been able to provide enough opportunities to their young workers, which had resulted in the political alienation of the youth. “Young people could serve as seasoned politicians provided they receive proper training, encouragement and opportunities,” he noted.