National Youth = Policy

Policies and = Publications=20 / National Youth Policy

Government of Pakistan
Ministry = of Youth=20 Affairs
Islamabad

National Youth Policy=20

December, 2008

Table of Contents

Foreword=20

Preamble=20

Structure=20 of the Policy Document

Principles=20 of the Policy

Plan=20 of Action

Institutional=20 Implementation Plan

"Youth is our future
Youth is = our asset"=20

Foreword

1. The present Government = promised,=20 "the youth of Pakistan gainful employment, hope and=20 opportunity". It is a defining moment for the country = when the=20 present democratic government is at the helm of=20 affairs.

2. Youth had played an acknowledged = role in=20 the creation of Pakistan. The founder of Pakistan=20 (Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah) had always reposed = great=20 trust in the young people as the agents of future = prosperity=20 of Pakistan. The youth continued to be vibrant and = active and=20 eager to play significant role in the progress and = prosperity=20 of the nation. Pakistani Youth is brimming with = ambition,=20 enthusiasms, dynamism and commitment to rise. However, = Pakistan does not have hitherto, any comprehensive = National=20 Youth Policy though the subject had been pondered over = since=20 1989. Various Ministries and Departments have some = programmes=20 dealing with various facets of the life of the youth = but there=20 has been a lack of integrated, well synchronized = policy with a=20 futuristic vision. This policy document is meant to = fill this=20 vital gap.

3. Pakistan's population profile is=20 changing. The proportion of working age population is=20 increasing and offering a window of opportunity to = turn this=20 demographic transition into a "demographic dividend". = This=20 "demographic dividend" provides a great opportunity to = steer=20 the energies of youth for Pakistan's economic growth = and well=20 being.

4. The period of life which the youth=20 represents is the most productive and useful period by = virtue=20 of the nascent energies they are endowed with by = nature. The=20 young people aspire for full participation in the life = of a=20 society. If appropriate opportunities are made = available to=20 put their natural endowment to creative, productive = and useful=20 channels, Pakistani Youth is indeed capable of working = wonders.

5. Given the importance of Youth to = Pakistan's=20 future development, it is necessary to provide means = and=20 environments in which this invaluable human resource = attains=20 the optimal growth potential, equipped with the = requisite=20 character strength and motivation to participate in = the main=20 stream of the practical life. The youth, as it = discovers the=20 world of practical life with curiosity, is also = impressionable=20 and, therefore, vulnerable to many diverse influences. = It is=20 necessary to mature and steer the development of youth = in line=20 with Islamic values, the ideology of Pakistan and the = norms=20 and aspiration of Pakistani society and culture. To = achieve=20 this objective, a number of challenges being faced by = the=20 youth have to be addressed and opportunities opened up = to them=20 to unleash their energies.

6. The National = Youth Policy=20 has been prepared to mainstream the youth, harness the = talent=20 and energies of youth and address the challenges being = confronted by today's youth. This is a dynamic = document which=20 will be suitably adjusted as more experience is gained = and the=20 realities on ground change with time. A number of = Ministries=20 and Organizations are already working in various areas = related=20 to youth. This policy aims at integrating their = programmes and=20 provides overall sense of direction consistent with = the needs=20 of the country. Efforts have been made to build on the = existing programmes and avoid the tendency to reinvent = the=20 wheel.

7. To formulate the policy extensive=20 consultations have been done with various stake = holders. The=20 Policy was circulated to all the members of the = Parliament.=20 Comments were invited from various Ministries of the = Federal=20 Government, Provincial Governments, FATA, Northern = Areas, AJK,=20 Youth Parliament, civil society, international donors, = universities, eminent young people, chambers of = commerce and=20 consultants. The draft policy was also placed on the = web-site=20 of the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

8. The = Ministry of=20 Youth Affairs will essentially play a catalytic and=20 coordinating role for implementation of the policy = besides=20 undertaking specific programmes and projects to = supplement the=20 overall efforts. The success of this Policy will = depend upon=20 the commitment and zeal of all the stakeholders = whether in=20 public or private sector. This is an investment which = will pay=20 rich dividends to humanity in general and Pakistanis = in=20 particular for all times to come and it is hoped that = all the=20 stakeholders will rise to this immense opportunity. = The=20 Ministry of Youth Affairs is confident of the = capabilities and=20 the talent of the Pakistani Youth and expects that = they will=20 do their best to build a strong, prosperous, = sustainable and=20 vibrant Pakistan.

Dated: December,=20 2008.
Shahid Hussain Bhutto )
Minister for Youth = Affairs

Preamble

Definition of Youth
Youth is = defined as=20 a period during which a person prepares = himself/herself to be=20 an active and fully, responsible member of the = society. It is=20 a period of transformation from family dependant = childhood to=20 independent adulthood and integration in the society = as a=20 responsible citizen.

Various countries use = different=20 age groups for defining the population of youth. For = Pakistan=20 the population in the age group of 15-29 years is = taken as the=20 young population. This age group is consistent with = the=20 definition of youth taken by the = Commonwealth.

2.=20 Demographic Context
According to the Population = Labour=20 Force Survey 2006, the population of youth in the = country was=20 41.81 million which represented about 27% of the total = population of the country.

Statistics on youth=20 population extracted from the Survey are given in = annexure-I.=20 Salient characteristics of the youth population=20 are:-

Proportion of males and females is about = 50%=20 each.67% of the young population lives in the rural = areas.63%=20 of the young population (26.27 million) is literate. = Out of=20 the 37% illiterate population (15.57 million) about = 65% (10.13=20 million) are females.49% (20.32 million) of the = population=20 constitutes labour force while 51% (21.51 million) is = "out of=20 labour force". The "out of labour force" population = comprises=20 of 6.89 million students and 14.03 million (including = 13.82=20 million females) as house holds.labour force is = engaged=20 in:-
Agriculture (about 37% of L.F.).(about = 17%),retail=20 trade and restaurants etc. (about 15% of=20 L.F.).

Community, social and personal services = (about=20 11% of L.F.).(about 7% of L.F.) and;storage and = communications=20 (about 6%).

3. Future Projections
Future=20 projections prepared by National Institute of = Population=20 Studies (NIPS), Islamabad show that the population of = youth in=20 2018 would be around 57.9 million with about (50% = each) of=20 male to female population. Thus there will be a net = addition=20 of about 16 million young people.

Projections = prepared=20 by the National Institute of Population Studies = (November,=20 2006) as depicted in the figure below show that the = proportion=20 of the population in the age group 15-29 will increase = while=20 the proportion for the population below 15 years will=20 decrease. This implies that the working and energetic=20 population of Pakistan will increase in the medium = term thus=20 providing an opportunity to convert this "demographic=20 dividend" to economic dividend.

4.The = Challenges=20

The challenges ahead are to:-
groom and = guide the=20 youth of Pakistan to live in peace and harmony = following the=20 cardinal principles given by the founder of the = nation; Unity,=20 Faith and Discipline.the demographic increase in the=20 population of youth (demographic dividend) into an = economic=20 dividend by engaging the youth in economic activities, = enabling gainful engagements in income generation=20 (domestically and abroad) to propel the growth of = Pakistan in=20 the 21 century. .an environment to facilitate the = youth in=20 exploiting their full potential.the gender imbalance = in the=20 access to facilities and economic opportunities = between male=20 and female young population.and facilitate education = and youth=20 literacy programmes for those who have missed = childhood=20 education.

The National Youth Policy has been = prepared=20 to address the above challenges in concert with the = economic=20 and social sector policies of = Pakistan.

STRUCTURE OF=20 THE POLICY DOCUMENT

The document is structured = such=20 that it first lays down "Principles of National Youth = Policy"=20 followed by "Plan of Action" for each principle stated = in the=20 Policy and an "Institutional Implementation Plan" to = implement=20 the Policy.

PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

The = thrust=20 of the National Youth Policy is to inculcate a sense = of pride=20 of being Pakistanis, good citizenship, interregional = harmony,=20 building well rounded personalities and to prepare the = youth=20 for income generation in their practical life. The = Principles=20 of National Youth Policy are:

1. Reinforce = sense of=20 Pride, Awareness and Motivation.

Reinforce the = sense of=20 pride by creating awareness about our history, = heritage and=20 achievements.
To expose youth to works and examples = of high=20 achievers in the world in various walks of life and to = instill=20 a passion to excel and achieve excellence.
Develop = amongst=20 the youth an international outlook, a desire to = compete, an=20 insight into other cultures and desire to learn = lessons from=20 achievements and errors of others.

2. Promote National = Integration

Promote:
i.=20 National integration and harmony,
ii. Mutual=20 friendship,
iii. Tolerance, understanding and=20 values.
iv. Social interactions.

3. Enabling = Prospects of Income Generation for the Youth. = (Harnessing the=20 Youth Dividend).
Consistent with the policies of = the=20 Government for rapid economic growth which will create = opportunities of income generation for Pakistani = Youth,=20 following specific measures be taken:

(a) = Skill=20 Development
Undertake target oriented programmes = for=20 development of new and enhancement of existing skill = to cater=20 for the need of the youth in the specific area/regions = (e.g.=20 coastal, agriculture, industrial, urban, rural areas = etc.).=20 These programmes will also envisage training for = foreign job=20 markets where Pakistani youth can find jobs.
(b)=20 Entrepreneurships Assist and support the youth in = establishing=20 self-employment businesses and start up of new=20 companies/ventures.
(c) Micro Finance =

Provide=20 financial resources for small scale income generation=20 ventures.

(d) Internship and Job Counseling=20

Enhance internship programmes and provide job=20 counseling in collaboration with corporate sector and=20 universities etc. 4. Address Issues of Marginalized = and=20 Vulnerable Groups of Youth

Eradicate = disparities=20 related to access to social and economic opportunities = and=20 resources for youth development by adopting rights = base=20 approaches. 5. Support Character Building Inspire the = youth=20 with:
Islamic values,
ii. Ideology of Pakistan,=20 aspiration for Pakistan,
iii. Sense of good = citizenship,=20 high standards of morality,
iv. Discipline,
v. = Respect=20 for basic human values, laws and religions.
vi. = Educate,=20 motivate and guide against extremism, terrorism, = antistate and=20 inhuman activities.

6.Promotion of Sports and Recreation: Patronize = sports=20 and recreation activities, sports competition, = expansion of=20 sports facilities at all administrative levels on = sustainable=20 basis with special emphasis for young females. = 7.Academic and=20 Intellectual Development. (a) Take steps to promote=20 scholarship, enhance availability and access to = academic=20 material, participation in conferences and undertake = talent=20 forming programmes.
(b) Special emphasis be given = to=20 mainstreaming of youth studying in Madrassas.
(c) = Youth=20 will be given representations in Think Tanks, policy = formation=20 and implementation fora. 8.Youth Health Create = awareness about=20 responsible and safe behaviour, provide youth friendly = and=20 health care counseling and guidance facilities. =
9.Social=20 Volunteerism Youth will be encouraged to undertake = voluntary=20 social service.

10.Incentives for Talented and = High=20 Performing Youth

Talented and high performing = youth=20 will be given recognition reward and incentive at the = national=20 level. Efforts be made to motivate and attract them = towards=20 service for the nation.

11.Youth Marriage, = Family and=20 Life Skills

Facilitating the youth (above 18 = years) in=20 the formation and planning of a healthy family on a=20 sustainable basis.

12.Youth = Mentoring

Supporting=20 and guiding the youth in identifying their potentials, = overcoming their failures, adopting the traits of good = citizens and boosting their morale for high = achievements in=20 life.

13.Special Youth

Special = consideration=20 will be given to promote the participation of special = and=20 handicapped youth in all = activities.

14.=20 Balancing the Gender Imbalance

Work towards = gender=20 equity and provide greater opportunities and decent=20 environment for the female youth to play their role in = socio-economic development of the = country.

Youth in=20 Prison

Special Programme for rehabilitation,=20 mentoring, training and education and incentives for = youth in=20 prison will be evolved so that their time in the = prison is=20 utilized to become good citizens capable of = integerating in=20 social economic activities.
PLAN OF ACTION

A number = of=20 Ministries and institutions in Pakistan are already = engaged in=20 various programmes benefiting the youth. The National = Youth=20 Policy aims at creating a youth centric focus by = integrating=20 and coordinating the programmes of various Ministries = and=20 institutions and providing overall guidance to develop = the=20 youth in Pakistan to meet the challenges of the future = in=20 building Pakistan. The Plan of Action proposed in = pursuance of=20 the Policy, thus, builds upon the existing = infrastructure and=20 programmes besides additional programmes and = dimensions=20 wherever necessary. The plan of action for each point = of=20 National Youth Policy is described below:-

1. = Sense of=20 Pride, Awareness and Motivation,:

It is = proposed to=20 reinforce a sense of pride of being Pakistani or = having=20 association with Pakistan, motivate the youth for = achievement=20 of excellence, learn from local, national and = international=20 icons and to be aware of the development in the world. = Accordingly the Plan envisages:

Using various = means of=20 communication and media, lift the morale of our youth = by=20 projecting:
our national heroes in various walks of = lives.=20 unsung and "small" heroes whose performance is = laudable in=20 ordinary lives, of our culture, monuments, our traits = and=20 traditions, of inventions, bravery, culture, = traditions of=20 society, justice, landmark projects, adventures and = our=20 natural endowments etc.
Projecting Pakistan's = heritage to=20 our youth through visits and participation in events = to see=20 various areas, economic centres, monuments, museums = dwellings,=20 cities of historical importance, renowned facilities,=20 universities etc. with high achievers, corporate, = leaders,=20 researchers, academicians, social workers and other = icons=20 through visits, meetings, seminars, chat programmes, = video=20 conferences, other means of communication.
Enabling = interaction with high achievers and icons on the = pattern of=20 the initiative taken by Higher Education Commission = and=20 Pakistan Science Foundation by arranging interaction = with=20 Nobel Laureates.

(e) Youth be made aware of = Pakistan's=20 geographical importance in the economic and = geopolitical=20 context of the world.

(f) Involve youth in = national=20 policy formulation.

(g) Youth may be invited to = programmes organized by the President/Prime=20 Minister/Governor/Chief Minister Secretariat and=20 Nazims.

2. National Integration:

Promote = national integration and harmony amongst the youth = from=20 various walks of life in the country. These bonds = created at a=20 young age will go a long way to nourish future = relationships.=20 Programmes to include:
See Pakistan visits: = Participants=20 from all over the country would be invited to come = together=20 for organized visits to various areas. The = participants will=20 live and get together as they see sites of historical=20 importance, explore the life, history and natural = endowments=20 and meet leaders in various walks of life. These = programmes=20 will be based on selection of youth on merit from = various=20 regions of the country so that the objective of cross = cultural=20 learning is achieved.
See city tours: Cause local=20 administration to run special transport on week-ends = to=20 conduct city visits to expose youth to different parts = of the=20 city they live in.
Arrange national youth = conventions:=20 Organize national youth conventions where various = cultural,=20 social competitive events are held. Corporations and = leading=20 companies will be invited to set up stalls to exhibit = their=20 products and business practices giving the youth an=20 opportunity to interact with them and build=20 relations.
Arrange country-wide tours and run youth = trains:=20 Provide concession on railway tickets to youth during = the=20 period of summer vacations of June to September to = promote=20 excursion travel.
Arrange in-cities tours: To = enable visits=20 of students in local institutions to venues of = interest,=20 museums and monuments etc. For this purpose resources = will be=20 made available through Ministry of Youth Affairs to = public=20 sector educational institutions, to undertake such = activities.=20 Ministry of Youth Affairs will promote these=20 efforts.
Arrange interschool, inter college and = inter=20 universities debates and conventions etc: To promote = such=20 activities, Ministry of Youth Affairs will provide = resources=20 to public sectors.
Facilitate student = camping/lodging=20 facilities: in premises of selected educational = institutions=20 during summer period to facilitate low cost tours. For = this=20 purpose a scheme of "back pack" lodging will be = launched in=20 cooperation with educational institutions.
Cause or = construct youth hostels: In various cities and tourist = spots=20 in the country for providing decent and economical=20 accommodation for youth to facilitate there visits. = Also=20 establish relations with the members of international = youth=20 associations and travel agents.
Mainstreaming the = youth=20 from backward and special areas: Under this programme, = young=20 people from backward areas will be invited to live in = major=20 cities and get the exposure of city life, exposure for = development in the country, visit to major development = projects and institutions of learning. Special = scholarships=20 will be offered to students from backward and special = areas to=20 live in urban universities, colleges, schools and = vocational=20 centers. This will provide opportunities for learning = and=20 interaction with their contemporaries in urban areas,=20 experience the urban environment and build the bonds = amongst=20 the youth and share their value. This is to create = inspiration=20 in the youth of such areas to improve their own = environments=20 and play constructive role in their areas.Urban = Exchange=20 Programmes: It is proposed to provide opportunities = for living=20 and exposure to urban youth of the rural areas and = vice versa.=20 This will widen the perspective of the = youth.

3.=20 Enabling Employment (Harnessing the Youth=20 Dividend)

There is a great need to enhance the = existing=20 programmes of skill development and vocational = training in the=20 country as it has a tremendous potential to provide = employment=20 to our youth in rural and urban areas as well as the = job=20 market abroad. The plan of action being prepared (and = being=20 implemented) in coordination and collaboration with = the=20 relevant government divisions/agencies=20 envisages:

(a)Skill Development and Vocational=20 Training

It is proposed to carry out an = assessment of=20 the demand/ requirements and capacity of the skills=20 development facilities in the country. In this respect = NAVTEC=20 has already prepared a strategy for "Skilling = Pakistan" and=20 Federal bureau of statistics is also planning to = undertake a=20 demand supply summary for various occupations. Based = on the=20 assessment of needs, technical and skill development=20 programmes will be enhanced. It is proposed that = existing=20 schools may be inducted in this programme and a = substantial=20 number of schools in public and private sector may = start=20 regular evening and weekend programmes for skill = development=20 and technical training for which funds would be = provided by=20 the Federal and Provincial Governments.and = international job=20 market analysis would be carried out to identify the=20 requirements of skills in various target markets and = our youth=20 be trained in the relevant fields. Besides, support = will be=20 extended to our youth to seek jobs and placements = locally and=20 in foreign markets. Overseas Pakistani Division of = Ministry of=20 Labour and Manpower is already working in this = direction. This=20 programme will be further enhanced.Training Institutes = in the=20 country will update curriculum in accordance with = current=20 requirements and job-opportunities in the=20 Agriculture/Industrial and Services sectors and = prepare a=20 phased expansion programme of such training facilities = in=20 rural/urban areas keeping in view regional = considerations=20 regarding youth population, prevailing skill-levels, = and=20 unemployment. This will be undertaken in coordination = with=20 NAVTEC and concerned Provincial = Departments.institutions for=20 providing training in area specific needs will be = opened e.g.=20 training of agriculture labour, maintenance of = agriculture=20 implements, agriculture businesses, agriculture = practices in=20 agricultural areas. Similarly training to support = tanneries,=20 fans, cutlery, garments industries in relevant = industrial=20 areas etc. placement of youth in appropriate jobs. = Establish=20 placement support centres at District Levels.and = encourage=20 local crafts based youth enterprises for = income-generation at=20 village and urban-neighbourhood level and provide = professional=20 assistance for marketing of such enterprise=20 products.
Institute a programme of certification of = informally acquired skills by technicians and workers = to=20 enable them acquire suitable jobs and=20 financing.

(b)Entrepreneurship

Youth in = Pakistan=20 has great inspiration for new ideas but are usually=20 handicapped because of lack of resources to experiment = these=20 ideas and develop these to enter the market. To = mitigate risks=20 in new ventures, it is necessary that the risk of = trying=20 bright ideas be underwritten by entrepreneurs and our = talent=20 is given a chance to succeed. For this purpose the = programme=20 envisages creation of a youth venture capital fund to = support=20 new developments and implementation of new ideas. This = fund=20 can be subscribed by government, entrepreneurs, = corporations,=20 donors, beneficiaries etc.
Creation of small = incubator=20 offices equipped with all office facilities for young=20 graduates so that they may work in these incubators to = polish=20 up their ideas and implement to venture activities. = Such=20 incubators may be set up in universities and also by = corporate=20 sector for which suitable incentives would be = given.facilitate=20 and guide young entrepreneurs regarding procedures for = opening=20 of new companies and provide legal advice as=20 needed.entrepreneurship and corporate leadership = training=20 programme to enable youth to learn from existing = enterprises=20 and the companies. Learn the art of making business = plans and=20 selling it to the venture capital and other funds.the = outreach=20 of programmes of Small and Medium Enterprise = Development=20 Agency (SMEDA).and train youth to do business, to = innovate and=20 expand business.and train small and poor service = providers to=20 grow from small occupations into large = enterprise.respect for=20 poor and small entrepreneurship (rag to riches=20 empowerment).
Arrange youth entrepreneurship=20 competition.

(c) Micro - = Finance

Provide=20 financial resources/loans to increase access of = poor/low=20 income youths to training institutions and facilitate = those=20 seeking self-employment.
Expansion of micro finance = sector=20 in terms of outlets, products and access by the=20 young.
Create a centralized = "Information-System/Data base"=20 on job opportunities for Youth in public and private = sector to=20 guide and counsel job-seeking = youth.

(d)Internships, On=20 Campus Job and Job Placements.

Expand and = improve=20 national internship programme.addition to Government=20 programme, require large public and private = organizations,=20 companies and enterprises to provide internship = opportunities=20 equal to at least 5% of their sanctioned/approved = strength of=20 officers to young people/graduates with stipends equal = to or=20 more than the Government programme.all universities to = provide=20 on campus jobs equal to at least 5% of their full time = student=20 population.
Encourage all universities to set up = offices=20 for awaiting graduates in job placements. The = government may=20 also support programmes for job counseling and = placement=20 services.programmes of internships (or shared = salaries) in=20 partnership with corporate sector (public and private) = with=20 commitments of the latter to provide employment to = most of the=20 internees.

4.Marginalized and Vulnerable Youth. =

Special and proactive measures financing and=20 programmes for mainstreaming e.g.
welfare Centres = and=20 facilities to attract marginalized out of school and=20 vulnerable youth from loitering, begging, whiling away = time by=20 clinging to shrines etc.

through support of = NGOs/Civil=20 Society and support programmes of Ministry of Social = Welfare=20 and education for mainstreaming of marginalized and = vulnerable=20 youth groups.

5. Character = Building

Propagation=20 of True Islamic values, ideology of Pakistan, good=20 citizenship, gender equality, human values and respect = for=20 other religions through:

TV/Radio/media = programmes and=20 talk shows, debates, essay, competitions and = discussions=20 involving the youth and elders.dramas advertisement = and=20 documentaries etc, leading to good moral = lessons.

6.=20 Promotion of Sports and Recreation
The plan of = action for=20 the promotion of sports and recreational facilities is = as=20 follows:
Distinguished persons such as President, = Prime=20 Minister, Ministers, Nazims, leading icons in society, = corporate leaders and other known personalities to = become=20 patrons of sports organizations in urban and rural=20 areas.competitive sports, trekking, scouting events at = all=20 administrative levels. Make tent villages/camping = facilities,=20 wherever feasible and necessary.proper media coverage = and=20 appreciation of the sports activities.training for = various=20 sports through training centers, schools and = educational=20 institutions and media.
Enable expansion of sports=20 facilities, play grounds, proper maintenance and = sustenance of=20 the sports facilities. Make Youth Activity Centres = (comprising=20 of reading rooms, computers, indoor and outdoor sports = etc.)=20 with priority to small towns. This may be done through = public=20 sector, public private partnership or through private=20 sector/corporate resources.emphasis will be given to=20 facilities for females.

7. Academic and = Intellectual=20 Development

There is no dearth of hard-working = and=20 talented youth of Pakistan. Given the opportunity, = they can=20 rise to the highest ranks in academic and intellectual = pursuits. Many talented students, however, are = handicapped=20 because of lack of financial support, compromise on = merit,=20 limited opportunities, ignorance about opportunities = and lack=20 of availability or access to books, literature and = other=20 academic resources. To promote young academics to = pursue=20 excellence and critical thinking, the programmes=20 include:

Enhancing the availability of = scholarships to=20 carry out studies at higher secondary, under graduate = and=20 graduate levels in country and abroad. A special = emphasis will=20 be given for scholarships at higher secondary and = under=20 graduate levels to dovetail with a similar programme = being run=20 by Higher Education Commission. A transparent criteria = for=20 selection of deserving youth for these scholarships = will be=20 prepared and widely publicized.order to reduce the gap = of=20 level and quality of education for rural population, = it is=20 proposed to launch a special scheme of scholarships = for rural=20 youth studying in schools in rural and underdeveloped = areas in=20 class 9 to graduation in quality education = institutions in=20 urban areas. and augmenting programmes for educational = loans=20 and "Qarz-e-Hasna" for students who do not get merit=20 scholarships for studies both in Pakistan and abroad. = These=20 loans can be advanced by the Governments and banks and = well=20 publicized.funds will be created to facilitate = participation=20 of young students and professionals in conferences = in-country=20 and abroad. A transparent criteria for selection of = deserving=20 youth will be prepared and widely publicized.order to = prepare=20 students for getting admissions for the world renowned = institutions at under graduate and graduate levels, = special=20 tutorials and guidance sessions would be arranged on = internet=20 and various local institutions would be encouraged to = run=20 trainings on subsidized rates.and research and = development=20 materials and facilities would be made available to = the young=20 researchers through internet access, libraries, book = banks or=20 book loaning programmes.
Government will provide = support=20 for mainstreaming of youth studying in Madrassas in=20 collaboration with Ministries of Religious Affairs and = Education.institutions will be advised to provide = hostel=20 accommodation to 100% students from far flung and = backward=20 areas.access to information technology including easy = access=20 to internet, satellite/televised information = technology and=20 audio-visual electronic informative data.will be given = representation in Think Tanks, policy formulation and=20 implementation for a.

8. Youth Health

i) = Support=20 Ministry of Health:
a) in extension and up = gradation of=20 facilitation for physical and mental health, public = health,=20 preventive health care, population welfare and = rehabilitation=20 care.
b) undertake awareness, preventive campaigns = and=20 programmes against drug abuse, drug addiction, = smoking,=20 HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, nutritional = imbalance,=20 hepatitis, accidental injuries, psychological and = mental=20 illnesses, maternal mortality, infant mortality and=20 environmental hazards.

Youth friendly = confidential=20 counseling help line would also be established with = the help=20 of Ministry of Health.

iii) Programmes for = guidance of=20 youth in adolescence age group would be = undertaken.

9.=20 Social Volunteerism

Youth Volunteer Corps will = be=20 promoted to assist in practical work for the Social = and=20 Economic Development of the country. Areas of youth = volunteer=20 activity will cover all vital sectors related to = service to=20 humanity including but not limited to Social Security, = Health,=20 Education, Environment, Gender, Sports; = disaster/crises=20 management and community uplift. Using existing = volunteer=20 activity in the country, the programme will be based = on=20 methodology, principles and best practices adopted=20 internationally and acquire necessary foreign = professional=20 expertise to establish and help this vital initiative = gain=20 initial momentum.
Pakistan Boy Scouts / Girl = Guides=20 Association will be invigorated to activate the work = and ethos=20 of these organizations at grass root level in = educational=20 institutions and at community - level.
Encourage = young=20 people to undertake social and economic activities in = rural=20 areas.
Youth Volunteer Awards will be instituted = to give=20 incentives for volunteerism.
Encourage youth to=20 participate in communal activities in relation to = their=20 community for safety, welfare and mutually beneficial=20 tasks.

10. Incentives for Talented and High = Performing=20 Youth.

A merit and competition based National = Youth=20 Award will be instituted. For this purpose nominations = will be=20 solicited from various institutions as well as through = national advertisements. These awards will be given in = the=20 fields of academics, social work, outstanding = achievements of=20 national importance, inventions, innovations, bravery, = dedication, profession, Art and Culture etc. An = elaborate=20 system of selection on merit will be devised so that = the=20 deserving candidates, irrespective of their social = background=20 (poor, rich, rural, urban, political, family status = etc) are=20 selected. This Award will be made a permanent=20 feature.

11. Youth, Marriage, Family and Life=20 Skills.

Facilitating the youth (above 18 years) = in the=20 formation and planning of family on a sustainable=20 basis.marriage through providing the necessary = financial=20 resources to the needy and accredited counseling=20 services.
Providing necessary life skills for youth = through=20 university and school curriculum and in the non-formal = education sector in order to make youth capable of = coping with=20 their problems in the early years of marriage. They = will be=20 provided training to develop skills in communication,=20 resisting peer undue pressures etc.the awareness in = youth=20 about marriage law (e.g. minimum age of marriage, = nikah nama=20 etc.), reproductive health, Islamic tradition and = values in=20 the realm of family.
Strengthen the institution of = family=20 by promoting family values.

12. Youth=20 Mentoring

Strengthening the institution of = family to=20 provide guidance to youth.parents, senior citizens, = teachers,=20 professionals and leaders in the art of mentoring and = guiding=20 young people.and encouraging youth counseling centers = in=20 universities, hospitals, large enterprises etc. =
Young=20 prisoners will be provided special facilities for = mentoring=20 and guidance to improve their lives. =

13.Special Youth.=20

Special and handicapped youth may be given the = same=20 quota in all youth activities as has been approved by = the=20 Government in respect of Special Education and = Rehabilitation=20 of disabled persons.Chair accesses and special toilets = for the=20 disable youth be made compulsory in construction of = all future=20 buildings.
Special quota/opportunity for studying = in all=20 educational institutions including those for higher = education=20 both at home and abroad.

14.Balancing the = Gender=20 Imbalance

The government has already decided = that the=20 quota for female candidates for employment in public = sector=20 will be 10%. This proportion is proposed to be = gradually=20 enhanced. It is proposed to take measures to = facilitate and=20 enhance the participation of female youth in all walks = of life=20 including but not limited to:-

a) improving = workplace=20 environments in the back drop of suitable legal=20 framework.

b) providing specific incentives to = females=20 to come forward in seeking jobs and=20 entrepreneurship.

c) specific programme to = enhance=20 female education and skill development.

Youth = in=20 Prison

In coordination with the concerned = authorities,=20 special programmes will be undertaken to provide = various=20 skills and trainings so that the young prisoners can = lead a=20 respectable life upon leaving the prison. Similarly,=20 interactions with senior citizens will be organized to = provide=20 mentoring support. Competitive and creative activities = will be=20 promoted. The measures and programmes envisaged under = this=20 policy will be made available inside the prisons=20 also.

Institutional Implementation Plan=20

1.National Youth Council

The plan of = action=20 cuts across many disciplines. A number of Ministries,=20 Provincial Departments, organizations, NGOs, various=20 International Donors, UN agencies, Philanthropists, = corporate=20 bodies, NGOs and CBOs are already engaged in various=20 disciplines envisaged in the plan of action. The=20 implementation of the plan will thus heavily rely on = the=20 existing institutions. Essentially it will require = these=20 institutions to pay specific attention to youth = development by=20 enhancing and augmenting existing programmes, capacity = building and increased financing in consonance with = the=20 National Youth Policy. To guide, create synergy, = harmony and=20 increased coordination in programmes of various = institutions,=20 a National Youth Council will be set up under the = chairmanship=20 of the Prime Minister with the following=20 composition:-

1.Prime Minister - = Chairman
2.Governor=20 of NWFP - Member
3.Chief Ministers of Provinces (4) = -=20 Member
4.Federal Minister for Youth Affairs -=20 Member
5.Prime Minister of AJK - = Member
6.Ministers=20 dealing with Youth Affairs of Provincial Governments = and AJK=20 (5) - Member
7.Chief Executive N.A. - = Member
8.Secretary=20 Youth Affairs - Member
9.Two member from = NGOs/corporate=20 sector - Member
10.Five Youth Representatives* (2 = males and=20 3 females) - Member
11.One senior female from = Ministry of=20 Women Development. - Member

Total members : - = 23=20 Members

The Ministry of Youth Affairs will form = its=20 Secretariat. The main function of this council will be = to give=20 impetus to harmonious implementation of National Youth = Policy,=20 monitoring of performance and to provide overall = guidance. The=20 council may meet at lest twice a = year.

Executive=20 Committee of the National Youth Council. For = operational=20 coordination with all stakeholders and leadership an = Executive=20 Committee of the National Youth Council will be formed = under=20 the Minister, Youth Affairs Division with secretaries = of=20 Federal Ministries concerned, Provincial Ministers and = non=20 official members of National Youth Council. The = Executive=20 Committee may meet on bimonthly=20 = basis.
_______________________________________________________________= ________
*=20 The five youth representatives with prominence in the = fields=20 of science and technology/education, social work,=20 sports/culture and entrepreneurship with adequate=20 representation to rural/backward areas, will be=20 selected.

2.Role of Ministry of Youth Affairs.=20

The Ministry of Youth Affairs will play the = role of=20 catalyst, coordinator, enabler and monitor of the=20 implementation of National Youth Policy. It will also=20 undertake a number of youth centric projects, = programmes and=20 campaigns in accordance with National Youth Policy. In = doing=20 so, the Ministry will largely bank upon the = infrastructure and=20 the existing out reach of the specialized Ministries = and=20 organizations who are already involved in youth = related=20 activities. Funds will also be provided to qualified = NGOs for=20 undertaking programmes and projects in various = districts to=20 expand the outreach of the youth activities. The = Ministry will=20 supplement the existing programmes and develop joint = projects.=20 Wherever necessary it will also embark upon a number = of=20 activities, studies, seminars/workshops, and = programmes of=20 youth development. It will also develop partnership = with=20 private sector corporate bodies, philanthropists, = NGOs, donors=20 and other national and international bodies to promote = cause=20 of youth and sponsor various activities. Jointly = financed=20 programmes/events will also be executed where ever = feasible in=20 line with the policy. Print and electronic media will = be used=20 to enhance the coverage and quick dissemination of = programmes.=20 The Ministry of Youth Affairs will be adequately = strengthened=20 to undertake the responsibilities of consonance with = needs of=20 the National Youth Policy.

3.Implementation of = the=20 Policy at the Provincial and District Level.

At = present=20 there is no separate department of Youth Affairs at = the=20 Provincial level, in AJK, FATA or Northern Areas. = Youth=20 affairs are being looked after in conjunction with=20 Culture/Sports/Tourism. In view of the much wider = vision given=20 under the Youth Policy, it is recommended that the = Provinces=20 may create separate Ministries/Departments for Youth = Affairs=20 to perform similar functions as the Ministry of Youth = Affairs=20 at the Federal level. It is also recommended that = Provincial=20 Youth Councils headed by the Chief Ministers of the = Provinces=20 be also constituted. Similar councils be also formed = in AJK,=20 NA and FATA. The membership of the councils be decided = by the=20 respective governments/administrations. The council = may meet=20 twice a year. The council may review performance of=20 Departments/Districts in respect of each policy area = and plan=20 of action.

Executive Committee of Provincial = Youth=20 Council should also be formed on the pattern = recommended for=20 the Federal Government.

4. Agencies/Departments = Responsible for Implementation of the Policy in = Coordination=20 with the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

A list of=20 Ministries/Departments responsible for the = implementation of=20 the policy in coordination of the Ministry of Youth = Affairs is=20 at Appendix-A. Essentially, they will arrange = programmes,=20 events and projects in pursuance of this policy at = their=20 respective levels.

5. Role of NGOs.

The = NGOs are=20 expected to play a very important role in carrying = forward the=20 objectives of the National Youth Policy. Wherever = feasible,=20 the NGOs with track record of activities related to = Youth=20 Policy will be invited to submit their proposals = through a=20 competitive process for carrying out = activities/projects in=20 accordance with the National Youth Policy. Those NGOs, = who=20 submit their proposals which are accepted, will be = provided=20 finances from PSDP. The NGOs which contribute, = partially or=20 wholly for the activities/projects from their own = resources=20 will be given preference.

6. Role of = Media.

All=20 public and private media are expected to play an = important=20 role in various initiatives envisaged under the = policy. They=20 will be persuaded to undertake Youth programmes of = prime times=20 and start Youth Channels, if possible. Media would be = advised=20 to allocate prime time for youth programmes on regular = basis=20 while PTV may set up a specific youth = channel.

7.=20 National Youth Fund.

It is also proposed to = create a=20 National Youth Fund with the support of international = donors,=20 corporate bodies, banks, philanthropists and some seed = money=20 from the government to support the National Youth = Policy. To=20 begin with the fund will support the following=20 activities:-
National Youth scholarships for = mainstreaming=20 of youth from backward and special areas and rural = urban=20 exchange programme.internship.of Youth = Centres/Academies where=20 ever building and space is made available by local=20 communities/NGOs/ administrative = authorities.programmes for=20 handicapped youth.seminars, studies on youth related = topics=20 conventions etc.magazine to be published by Ministry = of Youth=20 Affairs on quarterly basis.competitions in = entrepreneurships,=20 innovation, sports, essays, debates, leadership, = exhibitions,=20 fairs.entrepreneurship, ventures fund and = incubators.for=20 undergraduate students for education abroad in the = world best=20 universities to be selected on merit through GRE/ = SAT/TOEFEL=20 Programmes.scholarships for studies at undergraduate = level in=20 Pakistan.activities as approved by the Board of=20 Governors.

It is proposed that the campaign for = fund=20 raising may be initiated by the President/Prime=20 Minister.

The fund is proposed to be managed by = a Board=20 of Governors comprising of five largest subscribers to = the=20 fund from corporate sector, philanthropists, banks = etc, a=20 representative of international donors, seven youth=20 representatives (from the four provinces, AJK, NA, and = FATA)=20 and two nominees of the Federal Government. A Managing = Director will be appointed with a small Secretariat to = manage=20 the fund. Its detailed charter, rules and = organizational=20 structure be finalized by the Board of Governors = within three=20 months of approval of this Policy.

8. Youth = Programmes=20 through Corporate Sector

Social responsibility = is a=20 cardinal principle of all good corporate bodies. = Usually=20 various programmes and allocation of funds are = envisaged in=20 corporate programmes. Besides seeking donation of = funds from=20 corporate bodies for the National Youth Fund, and = undertaking=20 joint public private programmes, it is proposed that = they may=20 be requested to undertake various programmes under = their own=20 management and control. For this purpose various = programme=20 packages will be developed by the Ministry of Youth = Affairs=20 and offered to various Corporations and Companies. The = Corporations and Companies may implement these = programmes with=20 suitable modifications under their banner in = consultation with=20 the Ministry of Youth Affairs. It will secure the twin = objectives of promoting Company/Corporation's image = and at the=20 same time efficient implementation of their programmes = without=20 the bureaucratic rigmarole.

9.Honorary Youth=20 Ambassadors and Councilors Abroad.

A large = number of=20 Pakistan's youth lives abroad and is engaged in the = fields of=20 education, services, commerce, industry and labour. = They are=20 exposed and influenced to various cultures and schools = of=20 thoughts in the communities they inhabit. Pakistanis = have=20 formed societies and fora in various countries but = there is no=20 forum specifically for Pakistani youth where they = deliberate=20 about future strategies and progression of Pakistan in = the=20 modern world, communicate and network with each other = and=20 undertake youth activities. To fill this gap, it is = proposed=20 to organize the Pakistani youth living abroad as=20 follows:-

i) City Youth Council.

City = Youth=20 Council will be formed in each major city comprising = of 10=20 councilors representing different occupations amongst = the=20 youth living in the city. These occupations may = include=20 students, businessmen, traders, entrepreneurs, labour = and=20 shopkeepers etc. Each Youth Council may be headed by = an=20 Honorary Youth Councilor.

ii) Central Youth=20 Council

A Central Youth Council may be formed = at the=20 country level comprising of the Honorary Youth = Councilors and=20 nominees of the Government with a total strength of 15 = members=20 from the youth living in the country. The Central = Youth=20 Council may be headed by an Honorary Youth=20 Ambassador.

A

Agencies/Departments = Directly=20 Responsible for Implementation
Of the Policy in=20 Coordination with Ministry of Youth=20 Affairs*.

S.No
Policy = Principle
Federal Level=20 Agencies/Department = Ministries/Department
Provincial Level=20 Agencies/
Department
District Level=20 Agencies/Department
1
Reinforcement of sense of = Pride,=20 Awareness and Motivation
M/O Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O CultureEducationWomen=20 DevelopmentInformation & BroadcastingScience & = Technologysports
Youth DepartmentsDepartmentof=20 Education

District NazimsSports = OfficersEducation=20 Officers
(To inculcate the sense of pride in the = growth=20 right from school=20 level)

2
National
Integration
M/O = Youth=20 Affairs Religious AffairsEducationInformation &=20 BroadcastingTourismLaw, Justice & Human = Rights.
Youth=20 Departmentsof Social Welfareof Tourismof=20 Education
Universities
District NazimsEducation=20 OfficersSports Officers

3
Enabling prospects = of=20 Income Generation for Youth (Harnessing the Youth=20 Dividend)

Ministry of Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O Education/ other Local = AgenciesIndustriesTourismof Finance and Financial=20 InstitutionsLabour & ManpowerDivision
Youth=20 Departmentsof Labour & Manpowerof Planning &=20 Development.InstitutionsDepartmentDevelopment=20 Council
District = Nazims
DCOs

4
Addressing=20 Issues of Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups of=20 Youth.

Ministry of Youth Affairsof Educationof=20 Religious AffairsSpecial Education & Social = WelfareRights=20 Commission (HRC)

5
Character = Building
M/O=20 Religious Affairsof Youth Affairs EducationInformation = &=20 BroadcastingCenters/Universities
Youth = Departmentsof=20 Religious AffairsEducationCenters/ = Universities
District=20 NazimsEducation Officers

6
Promotion of = Sports &=20 Recreation
Ministry of Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O=20 Educationsports
NGOs
Youth = DepartmentsDepartmentof=20 Information & Broadcasting.Education
District=20 NazimsEducation Officers
District Sports=20 Officers

7
Academic & Intellectual=20 Development
Ministry of Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O EducationEducation=20 Commission
Youth Departmentsof = Education
District=20 NazimsEducation Officers

8
Youth = Health
M/O=20 EnvironmentNarcotics ControlTourismHealthInformation = &=20 Broadcasting
Youth Departmentsof HealthDepartment = of=20 Narcotics Controlof Information &=20 Broadcasting.
District NazimsHealth=20 Officer

9
Youth Volunteerism
Ministry of = Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
National Volunteer = MovementScouts=20 AssociationGuide Association
Youth = DepartmentsScouts=20 AssociationGuide Association
Colleges=20 Directorate
NGOs
District = Nazims

10
Incentive=20 for Talented & High Performing Youth
Ministry = of Youth=20 Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O EducationWomen=20 DevelopmentEducation Commission
Youth=20 DepartmentsDepartmentDepartment
District = NazimsEducation=20 Officer.

11
Youth Marriage, Family and Life=20 Skills
M/O EducationReligious AffairsSpecial = Education=20 & Social Welfare
Youth=20 Department
DCOs

12.
Youth = Mentoring
Ministry=20 of Youth Affairs
(Coordinator)
M/O Narcotics=20 ControlEducationReligious Affairs
Youth=20 Departments
District = Nazims

13
Handicapped=20 Youth
Ministry of Healthof Social Welfare and = Special=20 Education
Provincial Youth DepartmentsEducation=20 DepartmentsSocial Welfare
District=20 Nazims

14
Gender Imbalance
Ministry of = Women=20 DevelopmentDivisionDivision.
Services of General=20 Administration=20 Departments.Department
DCOs.

15
Youth=20 in
Prison
Ministry of
(a) Interior
(b)=20 Education
(c) Social Welfare and = NAVTEC.
Provincial=20 Ministries concerned
Administration of=20 jails/prisons.

* Note: This table notes the = entities=20 directly responsible for implementation. However, this = does=20 not absolve various Ministries, Organizations and = agencies=20 from their collective responsibilities to pursue the = cause of=20 the youth.