MEMBERS OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT DEPART FOR DENMARK TO STUDY DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY BUILDING

22nd February 2015, Islamabad – A delegation of 6 Members of Youth Parliament Pakistan alongside 2 Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan has departed for Study Visit to Denmark.

The study programme aims to facilitate learning about the democratic and Parliamentary systems, institutional measures of public accountability and transparency of Governments. The program will provide specific learning about the Danish democracy, electoral, parliamentary and political systems, including local governance, multi-culturalism and youth participation. The young members will also be having interactions with members of the Danish Parliament and discussion on particular issues facing Pakistan and youth of Pakistan.

Mr. Jesper Moller Sorensen, Ambassador of Denmark said that this Danish funded study visit will provide the youth parliamentarians with hands-on knowledge about Denmark and the Danish ways of dealing with global challenges.

Ambassador Sorensen stated, “Nothing beats democracy. There are many ways to develop a democratic society and culture, but in my opinion youth has to play a key role in the developing, maintaining and strengthening democracy. The youth is not the future – they are the present! That is why the visit to Denmark by the youth parliamentarians is so important – they will get exposure to the Danish society, democracy, and values. They will get inspiration, they will be challenged and they will learn. I really look forward to seeing them upon their return and hearing about their experiences – bon voyage!”

Mr. Aqeel Ahmad, Youth Prime Minister, said “It is an honor representing the Youth Parliament Pakistan on a study visit to Denmark. We are excited about our interactions with Danish MPs, youth and learn about how the Danish democracy works. The Study Visit will also enable us to share the progressive perspective about Pakistan. We are confident that this study visit is going to be an enlightening experience, instilling in us a diverse understanding of democracy and politics.”

Prior to the departure, PILDAT organized briefings with the Europe Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistan and with the Danish Embassy where Ms. Darriann Riber, Development Counsellor, provided an overview of the Danish-Pakistani relations and the political system and structure in Denmark.

Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Secretary General Youth Parliament Pakistan & President PILDAT, speaking on the occasion, said “PILDAT has been working to inculcate democratic culture and practices in Youth of Pakistan from the platform of the Youth Parliament Pakistan since 2007.” He further said that the “Study Visit is an excellent opportunity for Members of the Youth Parliament to learn about Denmark’s democratic structure and practices. The delegation is designed in a way that Members of Youth Parliament can also learn about Parliamentary practices from the Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan. We are delighted to be facilitating an opportunity of learning and interaction about democratic practices and cultures.”

The 6 members of the Youth Parliament Pakistan include Syeda Mizghan Mehboob Kirmani, Chairperson Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Education & Youth Affairs and Ms. Rahy Farooq, Member, Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Education & Youth Affairs, Mr. Aqeel Ahmed, Youth Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shahzar Illahi, Youth Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Ali Shan Khan, Youth Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sohaib Saeed, Chairman Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Affairs & Planning.

The Delegation includes 2 MNAs – Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Syed Naveed Qamar, Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways.

The Youth Parliament Pakistan, a PILDAT initiative funded by Danish Embassy under the development programme 2013-2016, is facilitated at inculcating in youth of Pakistan values and spirit for democracy, the importance of dialogue and an understanding of the concept of Parliament and its role in democratic decision-making and oversight.