YOUTH POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR PRACTICES: A CASE STUDY OF QUAID-I-AZAM UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Political knowledge is the understanding and acceptance of democratic principles and engagement in community affairs. The involvement of youth in politics is crucial and required for the development of society. Therefore, the study of youth participation was an effort to get an insight into political views and their due role. The civic courses which taught in school in Western societies increase the students' knowledge about political institution. This study investigated the information of youth about political knowledge and their interest in political activities. Quantitative method was used for this study. A sample of 200 students chose from the Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad through haphazard sampling method. This study found that the main obstacle was political education among young people and they were incapable to contribute to the society as active citizen. It was clear that majority of respondents deprived to get political knowledge at school level. A huge number of respondents were away from political participation. The curriculum that was taught in school and college level did not provide the political knowledge and civic education. Bulk of youth did not belong to any social organization and not member of any political parties. However, the majority of youth registered as a voter and they cast their vote.