LAHORE: Bargad Organization, and the Department of Youth Affairs, Sports, Tourism and Archaeology, held a press conference to announce the Youth Peace Festival 2016. It will be held on August 23, 2016, at the Punjab Institute of Language and Culture (PILAC). This festival will commemorate the International Youth Day, which is celebrated world over on August 12.
The Youth Peace Festival 2016 is set to host more than 500 youth from across Punjab, including South Punjab. Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director of Bargad explained, “When we speak of the youth, it is imperative to remember that 50% of the youth consists of girls, without that 50% engaged, we cannot correctly speak of representation or involvement of youth in any aspect. In addition, we not only speak of the literate and privileged but we also speak for under-privileged youth. There is a dire need to engage the youth of Punjab in positive activities and open them to avenues through which they can positively contribute to their communities.”
Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashood was also present and came forward to appreciate the initiative and validated its need by saying, “The youth of Pakistan is filled with zeal and passion, and such events give them the opportunity to get their voice heard.”
Nayyer Iqbal, Secretary, Youth Affairs Department lauded Bargad for bringing together youth from across the province for the cause of creating tolerance. Ms. Mary Gill, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Youth Parliamentary Caucus lauded the event as a means for the youth to showcase their skills as volunteers and as participants.
A social media campaign, with the trend #IYD16, is being launched by Bargad. The campaign includes a peace messages competition and Youth awards for active peace building.
The Youth Peace Festival will feature a panel discussion, a musical performance by the Naqsh Band, as well as several activities and competitions for the participating youth.
