Pakistan Youth Alliance Interview

Who is the PYA?

Pakistan Youth Alliance is a youth based activist group. We started in November 2007 when General Musharraf proclaimed emergency in Pakistan. With time, we broadened our scope of work and incorporated social development alongside rallying — for democracy, against extremism and for peace. We decided to “try to matter” and raise our concerns as citizens of Pakistan. A potent civil society, we believe can keep a check on various centers of power within Pakistan and we envision it as a pressure group to ensure basic principles of human rights, democracy & pluralism are allowed to take roots in our society.

How have you changed lives in Pakistan so far?

Apart from hundreds of events with include protests, walks, vigils, seminars & conferences for activist causes we have reached out to more than 70,000 families with material relief.  On one hand, we were one of first groups to have protested against Taliban taking over Swat (a city in Northern Pakistan) and on the other we were rebuilding schools destroyed by floods. It’s almost impossible to ascertain pragmatic results from awareness campaigns and activist initiatives but we proudly claim bringing a slight “change” in lives of hundreds of thousands with our social work.

Speaking from your own failures and successes, what do you think is the best way to make a change?

There are different forms and manifestations of “change”. In my personal opinion, I believe a change in the way of thinking i.e in the mindsets is more beneficial than a temporary change in living conditions. The end-point of change on proclaims to work for is to be clearly defined, that is where the political parties mis-use the word to gain attention.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a Youth organization in Pakistan?  

Youth of Pakistan is confused; ideologically. The biggest challenge is always how to penetrate in the minds of confused masses and make them understand how an event, happening or unfolding scenario will effect us in the long term. Also, our societal trends don’t give too much importance to the voice of youth — that is where, making the elders understand and respect your voice is a challenge in itself.

How do you make progress? Does the government of Pakistan support you?

The difference between dictatorship and democracy, the latter allows you to work. We have been helped whenever needed by the civilian government. Though, we don’t rely on it and do not ideally seek help from any state institution.

What are some of PYA’s goals and ambitions for the new year?

In the coming year, we wish to reach out to as many youngsters as possible through every possible mean. As situation in Pakistan changes very quickly, we cannot promise what kind of work we will pursue. But one thing is for sure, we will work and fulfill our responsibilities as concerned citizens of this country. We will try to give something back to the society, instead of wanting to snatch everything from it — all of the time.

In one sentence, what do you want the world to know about PYA?

WE ARE HERE!

For more information on the PYA, check out their website http://www.pya.org.pk/ . Join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PakistanYouthAlliance