CHITRAL, Sept 23: Participants of a consultative workshop held in Chitral campus of Abdul Wali Khan University discussed different aspects of youth policy and said that interests of youth must be kept in mind while preparing a policy for them.

Jointly organised by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and a social organisation, Bargad, the workshop was attended by representatives of civil society organisations working in the district.

Youth representatives, including girls, also participated in the proceedings and sought creation of employment opportunities in public and private sectors. They called for changes in education system to meet the needs of the market besides reforms in political system and establishment of youth resource centres.

Coordinator of Chitral campus of the university, Dr Inayatullah Faizi, said on the occasion that the provincial government had sanctioned Rs20 million for construction of youth complex in Chitral.

About objectives of the workshop, Sabiha Shaheen of Bargad said that it was essential to seek input from youth of the society before a policy was formulated for them. She said that the youth could better explain about their needs and issues.

AKRSP manager Fazle Malik said that they had launched a youth project and steps were being taken to guide the youth to play a positive role in the society.