International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12. It is meant to be an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. Every state formulate their policies to direct their youth to participate in the progress and prosperity of the state. Pakistan's youth have emerged as a source of optimism in the face of the country's economic hardships and political unrest, taking on the duties of guiding their country through these difficult times. Young Pakistanis are entrusted more than ever to take action to control their own fate as the nation struggles with a wide range of problems, such as unemployment and political and economic instability.
The youth population of Pakistan consists of males and females in the age groups of 15-19 years, 20-24 years, and 25-29 years respectively. According to the latest Labor Force Survey by the PBS (Pakistan Board of Statistics) in 2020-21, male and female youth comprise 13.1% and 13.2% respectively of the total population in the country. According to Pakistan Economic survey 2018-2019 Pakistan has the ninth largest labor force in the world. One of Pakistan's most precious resources is its youthful population. Youngsters play an essential role to a nation's development, and a higher percentage can ensure its rapid development by providing distinctive and highly skilled labor.
The global economic crisis has resulted in uneven repercussions; very few nations have escaped the direct and indirect consequences of reduced export demand, less remittances, fewer possibilities for migrants, and shrinking aid budgets. Sharp increases in food and fuel prices have further exacerbated the consequences of these on employment, public sector revenues, and services, having a negative impact on the poor and driving millions more into poverty. The developing countries of the world are most vulnerable due to their week economic condition and policy formulation. Pakistan is one of the developing nations facing continuous economic and political instability from the last two decades whose negative impact on the youth can be seen through the increasing ratio of brain drain over the last few years.
The president of the student union at Swabi University Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Aatif Riyaz opined that Western democracies are ensuring a peacefully conducive environment for the development of the youth so that the affairs of the state continue in well-trained hands. In Pakistan the young generation are in a position of extreme uncertainty for their future and they are trying to quit the country and secure their future in the well-established states of the world.
According to the most recent Youth Development Index, 2021 Pakistan (0.517) is placed last out of all the regional and neighboring nations, with Afghanistan coming in second with a score of 0.421. Worryingly, Pakistan is the only poorly performing country among the Commonwealth's bottom. The 2020 Global Youth Development Index (GYDI), which evaluates the conditions of young people in 181 nations, placed Pakistan 162nd overall out of 181 nations. The index examines 27 variables, including employment, education, health, equality and inclusion, as well as peace and security and political and civic participation.
Even in nations that are emerging from the economic crisis, daily existence remains challenging due to the cumulative effects of these inflations. Dr Amna Ilyass a prominent economist explained that by working in youth organizations or small and medium-sized businesses, youngsters also need to employ the skills they have learned through formal education or in their communities to contribute to Pakistan's growth. Innovations like basic machine inventory are required in a nation where agriculture dominates. To assure food security, they might boost food production by engaging themselves in advance level researches in agriculture. They must have enriched knowledge about food storage technologies which can be used on local level that the poor formers can be benefited of it.
As of 2023 census, Pakistan is currently the fifth most populous country globally, with two-thirds of the population below the age of 35 years. The Next Generation Report 2023, notes that Pakistan is among the world’s most populous states by having a high young population ratio. This ‘youth bulge’ is now the driving force of this 250 million strong people. In order to understand the trajectory of this country, it is key to identify major views, beliefs and practices of young Pakistanis and to direct them for adopting positive approaches at the time of economic and political crisis.
Kiran Shah an entrepreneur and philanthropist at Peshawar said that development entrepreneurship skills are the need of the time in Pakistan. Traditional career options can be few in these challenging circumstances. The youth can step up in this situation by learning a broad range of transferable talents. Young people can create new opportunities for themselves and others, contributing to economic growth and innovation, making entrepreneurship a viable career option.
Strong advocacy instruments for change are youth voices. The youth can express their concerns, struggle for policy changes, and demand openness and responsibility from those in authority by participating in nonviolent protests, participating in community organizations, and joining advocacy groups. They can mobilise support for their issues by planning rallies, workshops, and awareness campaigns. Government of Pakistan is now introducing opportunities for young people to join policy formulation platform in each sphere of life. The recent example is initiative for young parliamentarians to train the students of universities for the future political participation as expert political mindset.
An environmental expert Sumaira Shah said that the significance of environmental conservation should not be overshadowed by economic and political challenges. "Youth may lead activities like clean energy advocacy, waste reduction campaigns, and tree planting campaigns. These initiatives support long-term economic stability in addition to a better world. Youth role, however, can be vital in promoting resource management that is ethical and sustainable.”
The tools available for communication and problem-solving in the digital age are unparalleled. The younger generation may use technology to build collaborative, skill-sharing, and problem-solving digital platforms. To overcome economic obstacles, online campaigns, virtual workshops, and digital fundraising projects can take advantage of technology. Youth must take an active role in politics, from casting ballots in elections to communicating with elected officials. They can help to create an atmosphere that supports economic recovery by influencing policy choices through informed proposals.
It is essential to have conversations regarding trade agreements, economic policies, and investment prospects. It is crucial for young people to practice responsible consumption and acquire financial literacy during economic crises. They may make wise financial decisions that benefit both themselves and the overall economy by learning budgeting, saving, and investing.
The Pakistani youth's responsibilities in the face of political and economic turmoil are diverse, ranging from intelligent political engagement to economic innovation, from upholding democratic values to promoting mental health. The youth's determination, informed participation, and collaborative spirit serve as beacons of hope as Pakistan navigates these turbulent waters, reassuring the country that its future is in good hands.