On May 14, 2025, Shehri – Citizens for a Better Environment held a Knowledge Session at Habib University as part of the ongoing project “Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship.” The session was designed to encourage reflective dialogue and build a deeper understanding of civic structures, participatory governance, and the relationship between citizens and the state.
Hosted in collaboration with the university’s academic departments, the session brought together a diverse group of students committed to civic awareness and democratic engagement. The workshop explored the interconnectedness of policy, governance, and youth agency, with facilitators highlighting the importance of an informed and active citizenry in shaping inclusive development.
Key discussions focused on Pakistan’s governance architecture, the roles of public institutions, and the impact of both formal and informal stakeholders in the policy-making ecosystem. Students were guided through the concept of the social contract and its relevance to constitutional rights, state accountability, and citizen empowerment.
Interactive breakout groups encouraged participants to share their perspectives on civic responsibilities, governance gaps, and strategies for inclusive civic action. The open, thoughtful environment fostered critical thinking and emphasized the need for youth engagement in democratic processes at the national, provincial, and local levels.
The session concluded with a renewed sense of civic purpose among attendees and contributed to the broader aim of creating a scalable model for youth-led socio-political participation within higher education institutions across the country.
