03/09/2026
Hari Welfare Association holds Aawaz II Youth Conference on “The Role of Youth in Social Change” in Mirpur Khas
The Hari Welfare Association successfully organised a one-day Conference titled “The Role of Youth in Social Change” at the Sukkur IBA University, Mirpur Khas Campus. The event aimed to strengthen coordination among government institutions, academia, and community stakeholders to improve policy dialogue on critical issues facing youth in Pakistan, particularly in the rural areas of Sindh.
The Conference opened with an introductory session led by Ms Anita Lohana and Mr Darya Khan Sanjrani, who highlighted the event's core objectives. Following this, Mr. Liaquat Thaheem facilitated a key discussion on the role of youth in driving social change. The experts in the session provided the participants with a clear understanding of existing challenges alongside practical solutions to address exclusion, poverty, and labour exploitation.
Mr. Akram Khaskheli, President of Hari Welfare Association, conducted a special session, elaborating on the role of public institutions. He strongly emphasised the importance of accountability and inter-institutional cooperation. He said the investment should be made to improve basic infrastructure, promote technical and vocational education, advance information technology, and expand access to and use of IT, particularly in the underdeveloped areas of Sindh.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Mirpur Khas, Mr. Abdul Rauf Ghouri, expressed his appreciation for Hari Welfare Association’s dedicated efforts to prevent peasant exploitation and enhance youth skill development across various regions of Sindh.
Mr. Parvez Ahmed Memon, Pro Vice Chancellor Sukkur IBA Mirpur Khas Campus, discussed the critical role of the universities in promoting freelance initiatives and implementing laws in collaboration with line departments.
A dynamic panel discussion was held to explore the multi-dimensional role of youth in social change. Students and faculty leaders from IBA expressed their thoughts on economic and social conditions that limit the youth potential in Pakistan.
Panellists highlighted that recent climate-related disasters have intensified vulnerabilities, leading to rising poverty and severe mental health challenges among youth. They noted that while the province has passed multiple pieces of legislation on youth development, the actual implementation of these recommendations remains a significant challenge.
Mr. Naeem Ahmed Khaskheli from CARE Pakistan reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to building wholesome and inclusive policies for youth engagement in Pakistan. A large number of eminent civil society representatives, public office bearers, journalists, teachers and students shared their insights on the growing menace of expensive education and decreasing job opportunities in rural Sindh.
The Conference concluded with a brief note of thanks by Mr Shahzad Khaskheli. He extended his gratitude to Sukkur IBA Mirpur Khas Campus for supporting the organisation of the event.
