The youth of any nation portray a dynamic force that holds immense power to shape its future trajectory. In the context of Pakistan, ‘youth’ comprises of more than 60% of its population. This vibrant demographic segment can be the primary source of the country’s fruitful progress, which leads to the question how our youth is to be made worthy of holding reigns of the country in future?
There are number of reasons why youth of Pakistan can be considered an asset for the country and the nation. Pakistan has a large proportion of its citizens under the age of 30. With the right investments, educational reforms, skill development, and employment opportunities, the youthful force can guarantee positive outcomes. Young people tend to bring in fresh perspectives, energy, innovation and creativity. They can be instrumental in driving positive change, embracing new technologies and finding sophisticated solutions to complex challenges. Engaging the youth in social and political spheres can lead to the development of inclusive policies, increased civic participation, and social progress. Their voices can bring attention to important issues, promote equality, break stereotypes, and drive positive societal transformations. The fact that they are abreast with the modern trends in technology, ideas and thinking makes it incumbent to invest in them, sometimes even irrationally.
However, without adequate endowments, the youth can also pose several challenges. If adequate jobs and economic prospects are not available, it can lead to frustration, disillusionment, and potentially social unrest. Pakistan faces the challenge of providing sufficient employment opportunities for its growing youth population. Inadequate investment in education and skill-building initiatives can limit their opportunities and hinder their ability to contribute effectively to the country’s development. Also, in the absence of positive outlets and opportunities, some youth may become susceptible to radical ideologies or involvement in illegal activities. This can pose security threats and undermine social stability.
Pakistan’s Balochistan province is a region of geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance. Its strategic location connects South Asia, West Asia and Central Asia, making it a significant crossroads for trade routes and security considerations. The land is rich in natural resources such as natural gas, coal, and minerals, offering economic potential for Pakistan and the countries around it. Additionally, Balochistan’s cultural heritage contributes to the region’s diversity and social cohesion. Recognising and harnessing the province’s significance can lead to regional cooperation, economic growth and cultural preservation. Including Balochistan’s youth in national mainstream is deemed to be a significant breakthrough for Pakistan. Besides ensuring national unity and integration, it will be a step towards social cohesion and tolerance, increased diversity, educational and employment opportunities for the locals, and political representation and empowerment. Given Balochistan’s strategic geopolitical location and resourcefulness, investing in its people is of paramount importance for regional stability, improved governance, efficient utilisation of resources and providing solutions to the complex regional challenges.
Such alignments can be achieved through several means and mediums. In a recent campaign named as Manzil-e-Balochistan, under the overall ambit of “Paigham-e-Pakistan”, focus was laid on festering unity and collaboration among the youth through sports, educational activities and community engagement. This will not only help the Baloch youth to promote interprovincial harmony but also provide a platform for the youth to showcase their talents and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Sports have long been recognized to foster unity. Paigham-e-Pakistan has organized 39 cricket matches and a number of football matches in cities of Kech, Chaghai, Barkham, Musakhel, Sibi, Harnai, Nushki, Panjgur, and more. In addition to sports, a range of educational engagements to promote mutual understanding and dialogue were also organized throughout Balochistan. Speech competitions have been held in cities of Lasbela, Kech, Hub, Nushki, Ziarat, and Chaghai. Such platforms encourage intellectual programs, critical thinking, empathy and promoting a more inclusive society. Additionally, seminars focusing on the topic “My Constitution is my Freedom’s Guarantee” have been conducted in Kharan, Nushki, Harnai, and Sibi. These seminars educate the youth about their constitutional rights, and instilled a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Equally health is a primary concern in the province. Therefore, a number of medical camps in Lasbela, offering healthcare services to underserved communities were established. These camps, in addition to the services, also provided healthcare awareness and the importance of preventive measures. To promote patriotism and “Pakistaniat” within the youth, rallies to remember their heroes and the sacrifices they made for the country were also conducted in different parts. Likewise, an art exhibition was also set up to showcase the talents and multiple colours of the youth of Balochistan.
Taking everything into account, a very massive effort is being undertaken to uplift the Baloch youth and afford them opportunities they deserve. However still lot is required to be done in this regard. A whole of the government approach is therefore, mandatory to achieve this task. Investing in the young population, which holds the majority label of the Pakistani population, especially the youth of Balochistan, should be the primary concern for the policymakers and ruling authorities: for it is the youth of today that is the Pakistan of tomorrow. The better the investment; the brighter the future of the nation.
The writer is research assistant at the South Asia Times and can be reached at [email protected].