MULTAN, Feb 12th: , Regional Police Officer (RPO) Multan Mahar Waseem Khan has said that volunteer participation programs were gaining popularity in some communities and we have to develop a congenial atmosphere to ensure inclusion of Youth Volunteers in Community Policing. He was delivering his speech at “District Dialogue on Community Development Challenges and Initiatives” organized by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) in Multan.He said “Community Policing will be strengthened by engaging youth groups and by welcoming inputs of informed youth in policy developing and its implementation. “Although you are in crime prevention, you should as well be encouraged by the fact that you are the primary beneficiary of a safer society… you are the pioneers of crime prevention – it’s something you should be proud of.”Youth Volunteers in Community Policing made a new commitment to use social media in crime prevention.“Being youth is wealth and it comes with opportunities but to exploit those opportunities you need to be men and women of integrity…to achieve your ambition of crime prevention, you need to understand the history of our country, where we are today and our country’s aspirations,” he said. Muhammad Nadeem Qureshi MPA said the country’s leadership is proud of the youth commitment in crime prevention; and encouraged them to keep up the spirit.Remember, the future of our country lies in your hands, so make sure you shape it rightly, he said.Mahindar Pal Singh Member of Provincial Assembly, Punjab appreciated the youth initiatives taken by SPO with the support of Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) for the youth of Multan. Furthermore, the law makers appreciated SPO work at grass root and policy levels. Educating people on water conservation, child protection, initiatives to protect mango orchards and promotion of community sponsorship for girl’s education are appreciable Social Actions SPO initiated by engaging youth. Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh, Member of Board of Director, SPO, said that young energetic human resource has potential to promote community resilience and to improve social cohesion. Investing more in youth development is the one of the major investments state needs to put at the top of its prioritized initiatives. Jamshaid Iqbal, Regional Head, SPO, said during his address to participants of the event that youth has become the main stakeholder of social development. Youth inclusion as well- informed citizen will surely support local and national development agendas. Ms. Parveen Ghouri, Khalid Fayyaz Project Coordinator, Ali Sheraz, Miss Arooj Fatima, Farrukh Khan, Ms Samina, Ms. Anam and other Staff were present in the event.
