**Young Parliamentarians Forum Delegation Meets Balochistan Assembly Speaker to Discuss Youth Empowerment and Challenges**
A delegation from the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) of the National Assembly met with the Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, Capt. (R) Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai, to discuss pressing issues facing youth in Balochistan, including unemployment, political polarization, and education gaps. Both sides pledged to strengthen collaboration for greater youth representation and empowerment.
Led by YPF President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, the delegation engaged with Balochistan Assembly members at the provincial legislature, focusing on critical challenges such as rising unemployment, a growing population of out-of-school children, and the overall lack of opportunities for young people. The group also raised concerns over the law and order situation and the negative effects of political polarization on youth welfare.
During discussions, the YPF delegation outlined preparations for its upcoming Grand Convention, scheduled for early September. The conversation covered plans for establishing a dedicated training team, as well as the drafting of resolutions, bills, and amendments aimed at enhancing youth participation in policymaking. The Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly assured full cooperation with YPF initiatives and stressed the need for collective action to address these ongoing challenges.
The meeting also addressed the dangers of politically divisive narratives, with the YPF emphasizing the critical importance of inclusive education, particularly for children left out of the formal schooling system. President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar highlighted the Forum’s ongoing policy work and reiterated the pivotal role of parliamentarians in advocating for the needs and aspirations of Pakistan’s youth.
Further topics included the impact of the tribal system on young people’s opportunities in Balochistan, calls for equitable access to employment, and shared concerns over the negative portrayal of the province’s security environment in various media outlets—despite evidence of progressive efforts. The delegation advocated for firm action against misinformation and recommended closer coordination with the Federal Minister for Information.
General Secretary Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani also voiced concerns over insufficient media coverage of positive youth initiatives, noting the widespread influence of unsubstantiated or misleading narratives in both electronic and social media. President Iftikhar reaffirmed the Forum’s dedication to national progress and expressed confidence that collaborative efforts could address youth challenges in Balochistan effectively.
Following the meeting, the YPF delegation toured the Balochistan Assembly Hall and paid a visit to the Assembly Library. There, officials provided an overview of the library’s rich historical significance and its essential role in legislative research and policy development, underscoring its value in equipping lawmakers with the resources needed for informed decision-making.
