THIS is with reference to the article ‘Young voters’ (Feb 19) which discussed the active participation of youth in the general elections. The remarks of a parliamentarian on the treasury benches, attributing polling results to a “youth rebellion against traditional politics” and urging political parties to create spaces for youth in their respective party structures, were pleasantly positive, encouraging and accommodating.

The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) had launched the first Youth Parliament in 2007, providing a platform to build leadership skills among the country’s youth, to foster in them political know- ledge, and to engage them in democratic decision-making. On their part, the student unions also provide a platform for a youth-flourishing democratic culture. Nevertheless, the unions in the past became offshoots of political parties and failed to keep their focus on the real target. Their differences escalated into enmities, and even led to the murder of student leaders. Hence, the unions were banned in 1984. It was a decision that created a vacuum in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Now, the syndicate of Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad has been reported to have revived the student union at a meeting that was chaired by the vice-chancellor. The body approved the code of conduct for the union, and gave formal permission for holding union elections before the summer vacations. The focal point of the code of conduct is that the union should be apolitical and provide a platform focussing on the welfare of students and the promotion of a democratic culture.

Political parties may take steps to provide space for youth in their parties, as proposed by the senior parliamentarian quoted above, providing them equal oppor- tunities to participate in political activities. Youth is the nation’s asset, its future. The current wave of youth activism should be galvanised for optimised productivity.

Muhammad Salim
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2024