<p>At the inauguration ceremony of Youth Provincial Assembly, Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, stressed that community participation is necessary for successful countries. Welcoming and Congratulating the Members, he said that since all 36 districts of Punjab are being represented in the Youth Provincial Assembly, therefore Members should make efforts to identify key issues facing their districts and assist the Government of Punjab to help achieve a successful Punjab. He further said that all great men around the world were fortunate because they took people along and didn’t focus on themselves, therefore involving the community especially the youth of Pakistan would be a great source of guidance for the Government. </p>
<p>He also praised PILDAT’s efforts in training youth at the national level and now at the provincial level. Provincial Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan The Honourable chief guest was also of the view that PILDAT has always helped and assisted the Governments in capacity building particularly of the Members of Parliament and appreciated this new initiative of PILDAT to train particularly the youth of Punjab province. </p>
<p>The Honourable Steering Committee Members also participated in the inauguration ceremony. Ms. Faiza Malik, MPA and Ms. Khusboo Ejaz, congratulated the Members and extended their support to help the Members achieve their objectives. Syed Raza Ali Shah, Lawyer and Former Member Youth Parliament Pakistan shared his personal experience as Member of YPP and said that apart from building networks, Members achieve recognition at the higher level and after getting training in the democratic affairs get well versed in every walk of life.</p>
<p>In the welcome remarks, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT and Secretary General Youth Provincial Assembly thanked the Honourable guests for their participation in the inaugural ceremony of YPAP. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mehboob said the objective behind conceptualizing a dedicated Youth Provincial Assembly was to engage youth from the province to help inform, guide and rationalize their thought process about extremism and build their capacity to act as catalyst and initiate constructive change in their communities. YPAP is expected to provide an opportunity to the target youth to form a network and provide a platform for them to discuss their ideas directly with Punjab’s legislators and policy makers as well as activating them in their communities. The effort is intended to also assist young members in understanding extremism and conflict and understand peace building through mediation, negotiation, and dialogue. </p>