The Young Leaders Society Pakistan (YLSP) marked a significant milestone in its journey of youth empowerment with its highly anticipated General Body Meeting held at Trade Expeditors Pakistan (Private) Limited in Islamabad. The event brought together an impressive gathering of over 110 passionate young leaders representing 23 active chapters from across the nation, demonstrating YLSP’s remarkable growth and the increasing enthusiasm for youth-led initiatives in Pakistan.
A Convergence of Visionary Leaders
The meeting hall buzzed with energy as representatives from diverse academic institutions including BMI, NUML, Air University, FJWU, NUST, and NDU came together. The presence of founding members Tabish Hamid and Daniyal Abdullah added historical significance to the proceedings, as they reflected on YLSP’s humble beginnings and its current status as a premier platform for youth leadership development. The Executive Council, comprising dedicated members like Zainab Fatima, Mirwais Khan, and Hassan Abdurrehman, facilitated engaging discussions that set the tone for the organization’s future direction.
Revisiting Roots: YLSP’s Inspiring Origin Story
Daniyal Abdullah opened the session with a poignant reflection on YLSP’s formation during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He described how the sudden shift to online education created a void in leadership opportunities for Pakistani youth, particularly affecting freshmen like Tabish Hamid who were deprived of traditional university experiences. This shared frustration became the catalyst for YLSP’s creation, transforming from a simple idea into a nationwide movement that has now touched thousands of young lives. Tabish Hamid elaborated on the organization’s core philosophy, emphasizing that “true leadership isn’t taught in lectures – it’s forged through real experience and collective action.”
Confronting Systemic Challenges in Youth Development
A particularly compelling segment of the meeting addressed the systemic barriers hindering leadership development in Pakistan’s education system. Participants engaged in frank discussions about how traditional pedagogical approaches often prioritize rote learning over critical thinking, and how the discouragement of student unions has created a generation of followers rather than leaders. The NUML chapter’s Maaz Khan shared powerful insights about how YLSP provides an essential alternative, stating, “Where our institutions fail to prepare us for leadership, YLSP steps in to give us not just the theory, but the actual platform to lead and make mistakes and grow.” This conversation highlighted YLSP’s unique role in filling critical gaps in Pakistan’s youth development landscape.
Charting the Course for National Expansion
The GBM served as a strategic planning session for YLSP’s ambitious growth objectives. Detailed discussions covered plans to establish new chapters in Karachi and Lahore, while strengthening existing ones through improved organizational structures and member engagement strategies. A significant portion of the dialogue focused on practical steps to enhance chapter operations, including the importance of building personal connections among members, the process for official chapter registration, and mechanisms for submitting and reviewing project proposals. The leadership stressed that each chapter should function as an independent ecosystem while maintaining strong connections to the national network.
From Discussion to Action: Concrete Next Steps
As the meeting progressed, clear action items emerged to translate vision into reality. Members were encouraged to thoroughly study YLSP’s leadership philosophy as outlined in the Membership Handbook and to actively implement these principles in their chapter activities. The importance of interpersonal connections was underscored, with chapter leaders urged to know their members’ names, backgrounds, and aspirations to foster genuine community. The process for project submissions was clarified, ensuring that innovative ideas receive proper platform and support through formal channels. These practical takeaways demonstrated YLSP’s commitment to moving beyond rhetoric to tangible impact.
A Festive Conclusion: Iftar Dinner Sponsored by Cheezious
As the sun set, the formal proceedings transitioned into a joyous Iftar gathering, generously sponsored by Cheezious. The dinner provided a warm, communal space for members to bond over shared meals and continue their passionate discussions in a more relaxed atmosphere. This thoughtful conclusion to the day’s events not only nourished the body but also strengthened the bonds between YLSP’s diverse members, embodying the organization’s spirit of unity and collaboration. The YLSP leadership expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cheezious for their generous support in making this memorable Iftar possible.
A Resounding Commitment to Pakistan’s Future
The meeting concluded with powerful remarks from Director R&D Manahil Zia, who encapsulated the spirit of the gathering: “What makes YLSP extraordinary is that we’re not waiting for permission to lead – we’re creating the spaces where leadership can flourish today.” This sentiment resonated throughout the room as members departed with renewed energy and clear objectives. With plans already underway for the next GBM and expansion initiatives, YLSP continues to redefine what youth empowerment looks like in Pakistan.