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ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): The President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, held a virtual meeting with Turkish Member of Parliament Zeynep Yildiz to discuss ways to expand cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The talks focused on youth leadership, digital policy, education, and parliamentary exchanges, with both sides agreeing to continue engagement through joint programs and future visits.
According to a press release issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, met Ms Zeynep Yildiz, a Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Ms Yildiz also heads the TURKPA Group of Women Parliamentarians, serves as spokesperson of the Digital Media Commission, and is a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The meeting reviewed options to strengthen Pakistan–Türkiye relations through young lawmakers and closer parliamentary coordination. Both leaders noted the long-standing ties between the two countries and agreed that youth participation can support policy dialogue and legislative cooperation.
Welcoming the Turkish MP, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, spoke about the role of young parliamentarians in public decision-making. She said that cooperation among young legislators can support new ideas, public participation, and stronger institutions. She also appreciated Ms. Yildiz’s work with youth and her involvement in parliamentary affairs.
During the discussion, the YPF President thanked the Government of Türkiye for offering 250 fully funded scholarships to Pakistani students. She said the scholarships can help build long-term links between the people of both countries. Keeping in view Ms. Yildiz’s background in law from Bilkent University, both sides discussed academic and training opportunities in areas linked to digital law, artificial intelligence policy, ethics, and public policy related to new technologies.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar outlined YPF’s work to support young members of parliament and to include youth views in governance. She proposed structured youth exchanges, including joint training sessions, mentorship programs, and forums to share experiences on youth participation in politics. She referred to Ms. Yildiz’s political journey as an example of youth involvement in public life.
The meeting also covered digital governance. The YPF President suggested joint activities such as workshops on artificial intelligence policy, programs on digital media awareness, and short study visits focused on digital governance. She said young people with digital skills can play a role in legislative work and public engagement.
Women’s participation in the economy was another topic. Both sides discussed support for women-led businesses in Pakistan by using the Turkish experience in design and digital marketing. The discussion included traditional crafts such as embroidery, handwoven textiles, and blue pottery, with a focus on market access and skills development.
At the end of the meeting, both leaders agreed on follow-up steps. These include co-hosting virtual seminars on “Youth Leadership in Digital Parliaments,” exploring youth-based parliamentary friendship initiatives, and arranging future exchanges. Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar invited Ms Zeynep Yildiz to engage with the Young Parliamentarians Forum in Pakistan.
In her remarks, Ms Yildiz referred to TEKNOFEST as a platform that promotes youth innovation. She also spoke about shared cultural practices related to women and handicrafts. Both sides expressed intent to continue contacts, with Ms. Yildiz planning a visit to Pakistan and Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar planning a visit to Türkiye.