Islamabad, February 25, 2025: In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance youth participation in governance, Pakistan’s Parliament House hosted a Mock Parliament Session on the final day of the Youth Internship Program. Under the leadership of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the session provided young interns with an immersive experience in legislative proceedings, bridging the gap between policy and practice.
Originally launched during Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s previous tenure, the Youth Internship Program has played a pivotal role in familiarizing students from colleges and universities with the complexities of parliamentary affairs. This initiative reflects a sustained commitment to equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful civic engagement and leadership in governance.
The session saw interns actively participating in real-time legislative debates, engaging in Question Hour, and holding mock ministries accountable on key national issues. Demonstrating impressive parliamentary decorum, the interns moved bills and proposed amendments, introduced resolutions, raised calling attention notices and debated pressing national concerns.
This immersive experience challenged participants to critically analyze contemporary issues, articulate well-informed viewpoints, and engage in structured discussions—reinforcing the principles of legislative scrutiny, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary-General of the National Assembly, Mr. Tahir Hussain, praised the interns for their dedication to constructive discourse and their substantive engagement in parliamentary debates. He commended their enthusiasm and critical thinking, urging them to remain actively involved in the democratic process beyond this experience.
The session concluded with a group photograph in the National Assembly Hall, symbolizing the interns’ engagement, leadership, and ambition—an inspiring testament to Pakistan’s future leaders.
The success of this initiative underscores the National Assembly of Pakistan’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance. By fostering political literacy and providing hands-on learning opportunities, Pakistan is empowering its next generation with the tools to shape the nation’s future. This program serves as a vital step toward creating a more informed, engaged, and proactive youth, ready to contribute to the country’s democratic and legislative processes.