Election Observation in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
Almost 32 % of Pakistan’s population is between the ages of 15 to 29 years. Sindh is the second most populated province of Pakistan where 32 % of the population falls under this age bracket. Civil Society Support Program (CSSP), a partner organization of USAID Citizens’ Voice Project took up the initiative to form Youth Policy Watch Committees (YPWCs) at the district level and train members of these groups in policy advocacy and oversight of public institutions. It also helped in raising awareness among youth about a provincial youth policy which caters to their needs. The secondary objective of YPWCs is to engage with parliamentarians for the early finalization of Sindh Youth Policy, which takes into consideration the suggestions made by the youth groups. Earlier, in 2012, a youth policy draft was prepared, however, it was never tabled in the Sindh assembly. USAID Citizens’ Voice Project (CVP) facilitated updating of this draft.
Under the tutelage of the project, Youth Policy Watch Committees (YPWCs) were formed in 10 target districts, each comprising of 15 members and a representative body of elected members, consisting of a District Coordinator, a Deputy Coordinator and a Secretary. All YPWC members were trained on voicing their concerns and accountability, advocacy and lobbying, the Right to Information Act, Right to Education, and other oversight tools and techniques. Furthermore, the YPWC members have conducted oversights of three governmental departments including Education, Social Welfare, and Youth Affairs of Sindh.
The youth group formed by the project, in Badin, quickly became an oft-visited place for young people to present their problems and suggestions. In this context, the Badin Press Club has shown unwavering support to the initiatives taken up by this group, thus creating a synergy which is going to be sustain beyond the project’s life cycle.
Furthermore, a round table meeting on the Sindh Youth Policy Draft 2012 was also held. Through this event, CSSP was able to advocate to the parliamentarians and other stakeholders for discussing, presenting, approving, and implementing the draft policy while including the suggestions obtained through consultative meetings on the Sindh Youth Policy. Mr. Hayat Keerio, Principal of Laar Campus, Sindh University Badin, said that CSSP held an awareness seminar in their campus. He said that as a result of the seminar, the students of the institution became aware of their rights and started demanding them actively, even from the campus administration.
Mr Laeeq Ahmed, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs appreciated the work done by CSSP in drafting the youth policy and was confident that it would be adopted by the Provincial Legislature.
The revised Youth Policy, incorporated suggestions from various youth groups along with educationists, social workers, and politicians etc. The updated draft of the policy has been submitted to the Sindh Youth Affairs Department. Mr Laeeq Ahmed, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs appreciated the work done by CSSP in drafting the policy and was confident that it would be adopted by the Provincial Legislature.
Not only was CSSP successful in forming energetic youth groups in the target districts, it was also able to involve different segments of the society to positively influence youth development. Furthermore, CSSP sensitized parliamentarians on the need of a cogent youth policy. Due to the organization’s persistent advocacy efforts, members of the provincial legislatures have not only taken ownership of the draft policy but are trying to make it a part of the provincial legislative framework, an outcome exceeding initial expectations.
CSSP through stakeholders’ consultations, updated the Youth Policy draft prepared by the government of Sindh that now has a higher probability of becoming part of the provincial legislation. Mr Sardar Shah, MPA of the ruling party, said that he and his colleagues are contemplating to not adopt this draft as a youth policy as policies change with change in governments. In his view, the kind of consultative efforts done by CSSP has put forth a very good draft which should be adopted as a law, binding the current government to follow.
