PILDAT and The Body Shop Illuminate Youth Electoral Participation in Pakistan
The event, attended by political leaders and influencers, highlighted concerns about low youth voter turnout and proposed strategies to enhance their participation. The report emphasized the significant impact of the youth vote, drawing on international examples.
Karobar
Islamabad: In an electrifying event held at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Islamabad, PILDAT (Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency) joined forces with The Body Shop to unveil a groundbreaking report titled "Democracy’s Vanguard: Youth’s Electoral Participation in Pakistan." The event, which took place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, drew the attention of political leaders, influencers, civil society organizations, and the media, emphasizing the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the democratic landscape.
Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT, opened the event by acknowledging the transformative alliance with The Body Shop. He praised The Body Shop's pioneering efforts in challenging societal norms and addressed critical issues such as youth voting. Mr. Mehboob expressed concerns about the low youth voter turnout, applauding the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for incorporating youth-focused objectives in its strategic planning.
Ms. Naba Taqvi, Head of Branding & Communications at the Body Shop at the launch of PILDAT Report on Youth Electoral Participation in Pakistan on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Islamabad
Ms. Naba Taqvi, leading Branding & Communications at The Body Shop, highlighted the brand's commitment to activism, aligning with PILDAT's mission to enhance youth electoral participation. She introduced The Body Shop International’s global ‘Be Seen Be Heard’ campaign, resonating with PILDAT’s efforts. Ms. Taqvi thanked PILDAT and Mr. Mehboob for their partnership in this visionary endeavor.
Ms. Amna Kausar, Senior Projects Manger PILDAT delivering a presentation on key findings at the launch of PILDAT Report on Youth Electoral Participation in Pakistan on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Islamabad
Following this, Ms. Amna Kausar, Senior Projects Manager at PILDAT, provided an overview of the report, revealing that the youth, aged 15-29, constitute 29% of Pakistan's population. The report emphasized the potential impact of the youth vote, with approximately 55 million young voters aged between 18 and 35. The data underscored the need for targeted measures to increase youth electoral participation, drawing on successful international examples.
A dynamic panel discussion featured distinguished leaders, including Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Former Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, Ms. Nighat Siddique, and Mr. Shabbir Khan from the ECP, alongside Analyst Mr. Zaigham Khan and Gallup Pakistan’s Executive Director, Mr. Bilal Gilani. Mr. Farhatullah Babar stressed the need for inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of surveys, youth involvement, and the revival of student unions. Ms. Nighat Siddique outlined the ECP's efforts, citing issues with National Identity Cards and extensive outreach initiatives. Mr. Bilal Gilani echoed concerns about low youth voter turnout based on survey findings. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan proposed strategies to enhance youth electoral participation, and Mr. Shabbir Khan provided statistical insights.
The event, attended by media, politicians, CSOs, and international development organizations, addressed key insights to overcome challenges in youth inclusion and participation in elections.
