The International Islamic University Islamabad hosted a seminar exploring the role of young people in shaping democratic systems, bringing together academics and a guest speaker from Bangladesh to discuss youth-led political change and regional cooperation. Speakers highlighted the decisive role of youth movements in resisting oppression, shared experiences from Bangladesh’s democratic and economic progress, and called for closer Pakistan-Bangladesh collaboration in political, economic, and strategic affairs.
The event was organized by the Directorate of Students Advisor Office at the International Islamic University Islamabad under the theme “How the Youth are Reshaping Democracy.” University officials and department leaders attended to examine how youth activism and engagement are transforming democratic institutions and public life.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ghufran acknowledged the visiting speaker from Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of youth in strengthening democratic values. Dr. Noor Fatima, Chairperson of the Department of Politics and International Relations, highlighted Bangladesh’s economic advances and political transformation as a case study in how national development can accompany democratic change.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Alauddin Mohammad, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy, Governance and Development in Bangladesh. He paid tribute to Pakistan, noting the shared history and cultural ties between the two countries, and outlined Bangladesh’s democratic journey, stressing that youth activism played a central role in challenging oppression and steering the nation toward progress.
Professor Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, thanked the guest speaker and underscored the potential benefits of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh across political, economic, and strategic domains. Dr. Ghufran closed the seminar by reiterating that the two nations, described as brotherly, can achieve greater growth by working together across South Asia.
