On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Local Government Department has initiated a youth internship programme, in collaboration with the Sangat Development Foundation (SDF), and other donor institutions. A meeting, chaired by Special Secretary Local Government Asia Gul, was held at the Civil Secretariat to discuss the programme’s details. The initiative aims to engage youth in identifying and solving local government problems, promoting social awareness, and understanding the local government system. The program will begin in four districts – Lahore, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, and Jhelum – with 120 interns, including 60 in the first phase.

Interns will receive training certificates and appreciation certificates upon completion. Local government chief officers will assign responsibilities to the interns, and SDF will monitor their attendance and performance. Asia Gul appreciated the support of donor institutions and emphasised the importance of youth participation in local government institutions. The Department of Local Government will fully supervise this project and plans to expand it to more local governments with the support of donor institutions. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Women’s Facilitation Center program with GIZ and considered extending it to more local governments, acknowledging its significance in addressing local body issues.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan