Youth icons, students and young professionals from Pakistan and Afghanistan join ‘Youth Jirga’
First-ever “Youth Jirga” was organized by Pak-Afghan Youth Forum to initiate a cross-border dialogue between the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan and discuss their role in maintaining cordial relations.
The webinar was organized as part of PAYF’s initiatives to enhance the people-to-people connection between the two nations. The Jirga style setup enabled the participants to interact in an informal atmosphere.
Youth icons, students and young professionals from the two countries came together to discuss the various issues that were faced by them and to understand the all-important role of the youth of both the countries as Afghanistan finally heads towards peace and stability.
Shehryar Afridi, the current Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir and former -Minister of State for Safron & Narcotics Control, was the keynote speaker for the event. The panelists included many young professionals, activists and civil society members from various fields in Afghanistan.
Peaceful Afghanistan key to regional stability
Shehryar Afridi delivered his address passionately in Pushto and English, reminding the Afghan panelists of the shared history, lineage, culture, and traditions. He spoke from the heart regarding how the Afghan refugees, historically have been welcomed with open arms in the Pakistani society. “Pakistan has always looked towards them as their brotherly guests, free to roam in our country as they would in their own motherland” he stated.
Throughout his address, Afridi’s message remained the same that “without a peaceful Afghanistan, the future of this region is very bleak; only together can the new generation fight the political powers that aim to bring disruption and chaos to both countries.”
The panelists echoed his sentiments by talking about how the role of the youth has evolved during the years and how now is the time where the frayed bonds between the people of both countries must be repaired in order to bring peace and stability to the region.
New generation can make a difference
Mr. Syed Hussain Anosh, the Executive Director of the Civil Society and Human Rights Network think tank in Afghanistan, spoke about the economic gains both countries can achieve via cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Youth must see Pak-Afghan relations beyond strict bilateral contours, as Afghanistan is a gateway to Central Asia, Middle East, Iran and China, he said.
Ahmad Zia Mohmand, a youth representative from the civil society of Afghanistan said, “Even though we have inherited a war-torn nation we now have the opportunity to turn that curse into a chance. The new generation can make a difference to set things right, with the help of Pakistani society and the great people of Pakistan.”
A young martial art champion and representative of the Hazara community, Ms. Farzana Hakimi, spoke about how Pak-Afghan relations and key issues are always trapped in hard politics, marred by terrorism and violence.
Being a young sportsman, she urged Pak-Afghan Youth Forum to tap the academic and sports talent of the youth of Afghanistan and Pakistan to bring the young generation closer.
Ahsan Hamid Durrani, Director Policy & Advocacy at PAYF, appreciated the efforts of the Afghan panelists for making such valid and thought-provoking points. He concluded the event with an assurance of another Youth Jirga to facilitate youth interaction.