As part of the ongoing project “Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship,” Shehri – Citizens for a Better Environment, in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi, successfully conducted a Knowledge Workshop on Monday, April 28th, 2025.
Held in the department’s Seminar Hall, the session focused on deepening students’ understanding of national governance structures, administrative systems, and the importance of participatory governance. The workshop aimed to build students’ capacity to comprehend the relationship between citizens and the state, while promoting critical thinking around issues of inclusivity in public policy processes.
Facilitators provided insights into the framework of governance in Pakistan, outlining the roles of the legislative, executive, and judiciary, and highlighted the interaction between formal institutions and informal actors. The concept of the social contract was explored, along with the consequences of centralized, non-participatory governance.
Students actively engaged in working group discussions, sharing personal perceptions of their roles as citizens and exploring the barriers that limit civic engagement among youth. These group sessions allowed for the co-creation of ideas and strategies on how to make governance more inclusive and responsive.
The workshop successfully strengthened civic awareness among participating students and contributed valuable input toward developing a replicable academic model for youth-led socio-political empowerment.
