OUR CORRESPONDENT
ISLAMABAD: PILDAT (Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency) in collaboration with The Body Shop for an unprecedented event unveiling the report ‘Democracy’s Vanguard: Youth’s Electoral Participation in Pakistan.’ Held at a local Hotel in Islamabad, the gathering brought together political leaders, influencers, and media to spotlight the crucial role of youth in the nation’s electoral processes.
Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT, lauded The Body Shop’s commitment to societal transformation and addressed the low youth voter turnout, urging collaborative efforts. The report, presented by Ms. Amna Kausar, illuminated the substantial impact of Pakistan’s young population, constituting 29% of the total and representing 43.85% of eligible voters.
A distinguished panel, including leaders from various parties and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), engaged in a dynamic discussion on strategies to enhance youth electoral participation. Issues of inclusivity, a level playing field, and the need for youth involvement were emphasized, drawing insights from successful international examples.
Mr. Farhatullah Babar advocated for inclusivity, Ms. Nighat Siddique highlighted the ECP’s education initiatives, while Mr. Bilal Gilani and Mr. Zaigham Khan addressed concerns about low youth voter turnout and the imperative of involving youth in politics. Senator Syed Ali Zafar concluded the event by emphasizing the youth’s empowerment for the nation’s future. The gathering, attended by diverse stakeholders, provided vital insights into overcoming challenges in youth inclusion and participation in elections.