A significant portion of Pakistan’s population consists of young people, and today, they face numerous challenges in society. Unemployment, lack of education, and limited opportunities have pushed them toward an uncertain future.
Instead of nurturing the potential of the youth and involving them in the nation’s development, our social system often overlooks their issues. This problem isn’t confined to the economy or education; social attitudes, family pressure, and lack of governmental policies also create obstacles for young people.
If we talk about the biggest issue facing Pakistani youth—unemployment—the situation is dire. Every year, millions of young people graduate from universities, but there are not enough suitable job opportunities for them.
The private sector also struggles to provide employment due to limited investments and economic crisis, which have curtailed job opportunities. When young people complete their education, they hope for a better life as a reward for their hard work. However, when these hopes are dashed, they often fall into despair.
Unemployment not only impacts individual lives but also leaves a profound mark on society. Frustration grows among young people, often leading to social unrest, substance abuse, or crime. This problem isn’t just social but a national challenge, as youth are the backbone of any nation. If their abilities are not utilized, the country’s progress will stall.
The quality of education is another major issue for youth. Pakistan’s education system follows two separate tracks. On one hand, there are government institutions that fail to polish young people’s skills due to lack of resources, poor curriculum, and low standards. On the other hand, private institutions are so expensive that most young people cannot afford them.
This class divide has made the education system even more complex. While the wealthy gain access to the best institutions domestically and abroad for a bright future, the underprivileged are left in public institutions, receiving subpar education, and often ending up trapped in unemployment.
Another challenge, particularly for youth in rural areas, is the lack of access to education. Many rural areas in Pakistan still lack basic educational facilities. Youth there not only face the absence of education but also lack work opportunities. Consequently, they are either forced into labor at a young age or migrate to larger cities in search of employment.
The issue of limited opportunities for youth is not only educational or economic but also social. Our societal structure often puts pressure on young people. Family expectations, cultural norms, and an uncertain future put youth in a difficult position. In our society, parents often impose their choices on their children, whether in education or career. This pressure stifles their creativity, forcing them to choose traditional paths instead of following their own interests.
It is crucial for young people to break free from societal pressure and plan their futures independently. The government and educational institutions can create opportunities for entrepreneurship, allowing youth to create self-employment opportunities and generate employment for others. Many countries have introduced various entrepreneurship programs for youth, enabling them to start businesses and contribute significantly to the economy. However, in Pakistan, such programs are scarce, and where they do exist, lack of information and limited access prevent young people from benefiting from them.
The government should create job opportunities for youth, provide entrepreneurship training, and introduce policies in educational institutions to develop their skills. Alongside education, technical and vocational training should be emphasized, allowing youth to learn practical skills rather than chasing degrees alone. This would enable them to access better opportunities within the country and showcase their talents internationally.
Another dimension of the challenges facing Pakistani youth is drug abuse. Due to unemployment and despair, many young people are falling into addiction. This not only harms their health but also affects their families and social fabric. The government should launch awareness campaigns and organize activities to keep youth away from drugs.
In conclusion, if Pakistan’s youth are given proper guidance and opportunities, they can play a vital role in the country’s development. The government, educational institutions, and social organizations must take serious steps to nurture young people’s abilities. We must understand that the youth are Pakistan’s future, and their progress is the nation’s progress.
Solving issues like social pressure, unemployment, and lack of education may be difficult but not impossible. What we need is strong resolve and sincerity of purpose. By providing opportunities for the development of Pakistan’s youth, we can build a better and brighter future.