As part of the Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship project, Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment (Shehri-CBE) organized an exposure visit for students of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, to the District Council Shikarpur on 6 October 2026. The visit was conducted under Component-3: Youth for Democracy: Civic Education and National Governance Engagement, which aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of democratic institutions, local governance, and informed civic participation.
The visit formed part of the project’s experiential learning activities, providing students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the practical functioning of local government institutions. Through direct engagement with elected representatives and government officials, students explored the responsibilities of the District Council and its role in local administration, development planning, and public service delivery.
The programme commenced with an introduction to the purpose of the visit by Sarwar Khalid of Shehri-CBE, Prof. Dr. Ali Raza Lashari of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, and Anwar Ali Mahar. This was followed by an overview of the history and background of District Council Shikarpur, delivered by Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Kham Kamario, Chairman, District Council Shikarpur, and Kamran Khan Mahar, Vice Chairman, District Council Shikarpur.
Students then attended a briefing on the functions and responsibilities of District Council Shikarpur by Jawed Ali Shah, Chief Officer, District Council Shikarpur. The session introduced students to the institution’s role in local administration and district-level development. A further briefing by Qasim Raza Shah, Accounts Officer, provided insight into the District Council’s projects and development-related activities.
The visit also included a meeting with elected representatives and relevant officials, including Athar Adeel, Director Taxes; Waqar Soomro, Director Anti-Encroachment; and Muhammad Kaif of District Council Shikarpur. These interactions offered students an opportunity to learn about different administrative responsibilities and the processes through which local government institutions address development priorities and community concerns.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, allowing students to raise questions and engage with the officials on matters related to local governance and public administration. The programme concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Legal Advisor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, followed by group photographs. The participants subsequently gathered for lunch at Decent Lodge, Sukkur, before departing for Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur.
The exposure visit provided students with valuable first-hand insight into the functioning of a local government institution and the responsibilities of elected representatives and administrative officials. By engaging directly with District Council Shikarpur, students were able to develop a practical understanding of governance, public service delivery, and local decision-making. The visit supported the broader objectives of the Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship project by encouraging informed civic participation and strengthening young people’s understanding of their role as active and responsible citizens.
