THE aim of Youth Parliament Pakistan (YPP), a project conceived and implemented by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) in 2007, is to train youth about the political system. It aims at turning them into politically aware citizens who appreciate democratic values.

It also seeks to provide youth with a platform where they can engage in constructive debates and discussions about the important issues facing the country and their possible solutions.

In order to qualify for this debating forum, the aspirants need to demonstrate an understanding of political affairs and they must also be abreast of the critical issues facing youth, besides being able to carry out an independent analysis of state policies.

However, such qualities are hardly being judged by the steering committee of youth parliament responsible for the final selection of candidates. Interviews taken by the committee seem to be a mere formality as panel members mostly ask meaningless questions with little relevance to political affairs.

Some candidates were asked insignificant questions the name of their favourite flower. One wonders what have flowers got to do with politics and governance. The selection procedure of YPP is crying for reforms.

Saad Khosa

Quetta

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2016