Pakistan’s youth — a beacon of hope
EVERY society in the world is recognized and renowned by its youth. Young people are the ones who have the capabilities and skills to bring the change.
It acts as a driving force for the nation. The countries which utilise their youth in right direction are more progressive.
Youth act as torch-bearer for a nation as it plays a vibrant role in its development in economic, social and other spheres.
On the contrary, if their issues, perceptions and ideas are not assessed and subsequently addressed, it may turn into a ‘nightmare on street to prosperity.’
Youth are considered to be the voice of the nation. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future”.
The youth are like raw material or resource to the nation. The way they are shaped, they are likely to emerge in the same manner.
Quaid-i-Azam had always put a great stress on the young people and tried to give them the right direction through his unmatchable vision.
He said “Pakistan is proud of her youth particularly the students, who are always in forefront in the hour of trial and need”.
According to UN Population Projections; by the year 2050, there will be 50 million young people in Pakistan.
The young people of Pakistan are not less talented and able than those of any other developed country.
The desire, motivation, determination and high energy of the Pakistani youth make all the difference in building a nation.
Pearl S Buck described youth as “the young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation”.
Youth of Pakistan can do wonders if availed, trained, educated and informed in an optimum fashion.
A sense of responsibility among all the citizens and among the youth in specific can trigger change towards a tolerant and peaceful society.
Late Arfa Kareem, Ali MoeenNawazish, Malala Yousafzai, Zara Naeem are a few among many examples of young Pakistanis who have raised the name of Pakistan at the world stage and made the whole nation proud.
Youth are progressively eager and enthusiastic, and they can change the fate of a country. Henceforth, an educated and proactive youth can find solutions in a peaceful manner rather than deteriorating the affairs.
The nation requires their participation to achieve the goals and help in taking the country towards progress. The future and the current state of the country lies in possession of youth.
Sometimes, the alarming illiteracy rate, job scarcity, stagnant economy and political instability often divert the young generation towards extremism, violence, street crimes and anti-state activities but positive youth engagement in the productive political, educational, economic and socio-cultural activities indicates effectiveness of the public and private sectors policies especially at the state level.
Youth must satisfy a few obligations and duties towards their country instead of accusing others.
A few most important dilemmas of youth in Pakistan, at present, include inappropriate use of technology amongst youngsters, absence of career counselling and the ignored uneducated individuals, which needs to be addressed through short and long term policies.
Pakistani youth have the capability for awareness and education among the masses about their rights and responsibilities.
It is also the responsibility of our youth to promote the fair image of the country before the world.
Our youth has the ability to perform wonders for the nation and we must give them the opportunity.
Their zeal and enthusiasm must be channelised properly to help Pakistan prosper and flourish.
Nelson Mandela aptly said, “Youth of today are leaders of tomorrow” is true and applicable in each and every aspect. The youth lays the foundation of development for any nation.
Young people are full of great ideas and tremendous creativity but this comes with proper education and learning.
For instance, PM Imran Khan also recommended various books to youth for reading and getting inspiration which included ‘Lost Islamic History’ by Firas Al-Khateeb which is an excellent brief history of the driving force that made Islamic civilisation the greatest of its time.
Elif Shafak’s “The Forty Rules of Love”, which unfolds two tantalising parallel narratives, when Rumi encountered his spiritual mentor, the whirling dervish known as Shams of Tabriz.
He also suggested “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by Charles Gai Eaton whose aim is to explore “what it means to be a Muslim”.
The local authors like Hafiza Noor Ul Ain in her book titled “The Youth of Pakistan” aims to show and explain the necessity of Youth in the development and progress of Pakistan.
It tells the Youth of Pakistan how to fight against their problems. There is a great need to make young people concentrate to the situation of Pakistan.
We can’t afford to close our eyes like a frightened pigeon. We can’t expect the government to correct everything by just rotating a stick. It is our duty to look after our beloved country.
The government only needs to provide and sustain an enabling environment in which effort is then led by the youth.
— The writer is an academic researcher & media analyst.
