By Muhammad Mohsin
Participation, a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a
cornerstone for the development of individuals and communities. This principle extends to the youth,
empowering them to actively contribute to their own growth, acquire essential life skills, and champion
human rights and citizenship. However, effective participation requires equipping young people with the
necessary tools, including information, education on civil rights, and access to opportunities.
Political participation among the youth takes various forms, ranging from conventional methods like
voting and standing for election to more unconventional approaches such as youth civil society
involvement and protest movements. The ongoing discourse explores the impact and reach of these
different forms, evaluating their influence, social inclusion, and scalability.
In the digital age, online political activities, especially through social media, have gained prominence.
Studies reveal that a significant portion of the youth engages in political awareness and information-
sharing through platforms like social media. This shift is particularly notable in rural areas of Pakistan,
where the younger generation actively participates in both online and offline political events.
Despite the global youth population exceeding half the world's total, representation in political bodies
remains disproportionately low, with only 2.6% of MPs worldwide falling within this age group.
Recognizing this gap, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has outlined six strategies under its "I Say Yes
to Youth in Parliament" campaign, aiming to boost youth representation and influence in political
decision-making.
In Pakistan, historical barriers to political participation, including factors such as lack of interest, trust
issues, and systemic challenges, have impeded progress. However, recent shifts indicate a changing
landscape, with the youth actively engaging in democratic, social, and political activities.
Post the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, youth-related policy-making has become the
responsibility of provincial governments. Despite youth constituting a substantial segment of the
population, each province lacks a current youth policy, highlighting the need for comprehensive
strategies addressing the diverse needs of young people.
Examining provincial youth policies, variations exist in their approaches. The Punjab Youth Policy 2012
advocates for a 5% youth quota in local governments and the establishment of pro-peace student
unions. Sindh, on the other hand, has taken steps to reactivate student unions, reflecting diverse
strategies across regions.
In the realm of electoral participation, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has initiated the Voter
Education & Awareness Series for Students, addressing the historically low participation of youth in the
electoral process. Workshops across provinces aim to educate students on the importance of political
engagement and voting.
As Pakistan navigates the complex landscape of youth participation in politics, these initiatives mark
significant steps towards a more inclusive and representative democratic process. The ongoing dialogue
and evolving policies signal a commitment to fostering an engaged, empowered, and diverse citizenry
for the future.
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