On May 03, 2025: 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan (YPP) held its final session in Islamabad, putting forth a powerful display of youth-led civic dialogue and policy engagement.
During the first session, a high-level discussion was held to discuss the links between climate change and extremism. The panel featured Mr. Malik Amin Aslam Khan, former Federal Minister for Climate Change, and Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecommunications. Mr. Aslam highlighted that climate change is a risk multiplier for conflict, with the drying up of rivers being a key factor in current tensions between India and Pakistan.
Ms. Ghoury stressed the importance of inclusive, consensus-driven policymaking on cross-cutting issues like extremism & climate change, where all stakeholders including youth must be heard. During the Q&A, members raised questions about climate reparations and the effects of climate-led displacement and food insecurity. The panelists agreed on the need for international cooperation and compensation for climate change but argued that efforts must first be strengthened at home.
During the second session, a very important keynote address by Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Prime Minister of Pakistan was held who spoke on How can youth overcome political disillusionment and find hope in the face of radicalization. Mr. Shahid said with two-thirds of the population under the age of 32, he described Pakistan’s youth as its greatest untapped asset, comparing its potential to that of China’s development model. Mr. Abbasi asserted, “The Constitution is the bond between young people and the state,” emphasizing that if it is upheld, it ensures rule of law, justice, and inclusion.
However, Mr. Abbasi warned that without quality education, resources, or political accountability, this bond weakens. He underscored the need for free and fair elections and genuine systemic reform. Mr. Abbasi emphasized to give opportunities to youth, only then disillusionment will end further adding politicians with strong capacity and motivate youth. Mr. Abbasi said its not some individual personality who can end disillusionment and solution lies with correcting the system and following the constitution, if state does not give fundamental rights to its youth then youth will be radicalized.
The session sparked an engaging Q&A with Members of Youth Parliament – MYP, who questioned whether the Constitution remains relevant, how it can tangibly empower youth, and what reforms are essential to rebuild trust. Mr. Abbasi responded with a clear message: rebuilding institutions and restoring democratic faith is key to countering radicalization and reclaiming hope and called for deep introspection on the roots of disillusionment among Pakistan’s youth.
The whole activity marks a project Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan. Funded by the European Union, led by NACTA and executed by UNODC with its partner civil society organization PILDAT, the project aims at fostering community resilience and developing sustainable networks.
