Young Parliamentary Forum Hosts South Sudan Delegation to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Islamabad: A high-level parliamentary delegation from the Transitional Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, held a meeting with the President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, and members of the YPF Board, including MNA Mr. Muhammad Mobeen Arif and Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, MNA.
The meeting highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Pakistan and South Sudan. Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar welcomed the delegation with an emphasis on youth engagement in governance and international collaboration, noting South Sudan’s unique potential with young people comprising 75% of its population.
“It is an honor and a privilege to host this esteemed delegation in Pakistan. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future, particularly concerning the empowerment of our youth,” she stated.
Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani presented the YPF’s objectives, vision, and initiatives, including capacity-building programs for young parliamentarians and provincial assembly members. He called the Forum’s efforts a pioneering step in strengthening youth involvement in legislative processes.
MNA Muhammad Mobeen Arif stressed the significance of collaborative programs for youth empowerment. He advocated for initiatives focusing on education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship, alongside cultural and parliamentary exchanges to enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.
Discussions also explored opportunities for a youth exchange program, collaborative sports activities, and joint cultural initiatives. The meeting concluded with a shared vision for strengthened parliamentary ties, enhanced youth leadership, and sustained cooperation between Pakistan and South Sudan.
Moreover, the delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the Transitional Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, met with the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, at the Parliament House. Dr. Khan delivered an introductory address highlighting the objectives and vision of the PCCR, emphasizing the pivotal role of the 18th Amendment in empowering provinces to address children’s welfare independently. MNA Syeda Shehla Raza lauded Pakistan’s 75% reduction in neonatal mortality and stressed the need for continued focus on combating child exploitation and illiteracy.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck commended Pakistan’s efforts in child welfare and expressed interest in replicating the PCCR model in South Sudan. He highlighted the challenges posed by poverty in his country and underscored the need for capacity-building collaborations with Pakistan. MNA Zahra Wadood Fatemi shared insights into skill-based education for disabled students and the importance of midwife training in local languages to improve grassroots healthcare. The meeting concluded with participants agreeing on the importance of joint efforts in advancing child welfare and education, paving the way for future collaborations between the two nations.
