Daily Times

I am writing this article from the departure lounge of Dulles International Airport, Washington DC, primarily because during my visit to the US, I met many Pakistani Americans who left Pakistan due to the non-existence of adequate opportunities. They are all doing well once they settle down after tough going in the initial days. Most of the people I spoke to were of the view that Pakistan’s new government must care for the future generations’ needs to stop the brain drain for Pakistan.

They thought that Pakistan Elections 2024 have proved that Pakistan’s youth is extremely aware, highly charged, and result-oriented. The level of participation in the recently held general elections by the younger population and the women of Pakistan is ample proof of my assertions. This change in the mindset of the younger generation led me to think what they may be thinking.

I found Pakistani Americans very concerned about Pakistan’s economic outlook and future opportunities for the younger population. They were of the view that Pakistan needs to speed up on reforms before it is too late. Most of the people I spoke to suggested quality education and dependable health facilities, alongside sporting avenues for the young and energetic population. They also showed their concerns about women’s empowerment and suggested that women especially the young female population be given equal opportunities to prove that they are equal to the task.

Let the youth exploit their strengths in contemporary education discipline

In my opinion too, ‘Generation Z’ is demanding a few things from the state: quality education, career opportunities, law and order, a corruption-free society, and above all decent health facilities. To meet this logical and justifiable demand of Pakistan’s future generation, the state needs to catch up on certain essentials like education, health, sports, energy, and environment. However, the newly formed government has failed to impress its voters, especially youngsters who had a high hope for the outcome of the long-delayed elections. One can argue that they have just assumed the office and it is too early to make any judgment. However, the counterargument is that none of them is new in office but only assuming a new term.

Perhaps, Pakistan is running out of time or the opportunities that Allah has often afforded to this blessed country. Pakistan remains a geographer’s dream with Allah’s blessings on its wonderful location, amazing topography, adorable weather, abundance of agricultural lands and natural resources, and above all an extremely intelligent, hard-working, and industrious populace. However, one thing may be missing since our founding fathers left for the heavens: the sincerity of purpose by the successive leadership.

However, it is never too late and if the people’s well-being is determined as the vital national interest of Pakistan, this great nation will take no time to recover from the morass it has been in for quite some time now.

To begin with, the following must be done immediately:

One, ensure quality education through reforms at all stages, primary to higher education. The curriculum must be based on societal values, must be able to meet contemporary knowledge requirements, discourage cut-and-paste culture, and incentivize the generation of ideas leading to research-based solutions.

Two, ensure the provision of quality health facilities across the country. If a health card was successfully executed in one province, there is no reason that it cannot be done in other places. Let domestic politics not overtake peoples’ well-being.

Three, sporting avenues. It is unbelievable that a country of 250 million whose population is young, energetic, and dynamic, does not find a place on the winning stands at major world sporting events. The provision of sporting facilities and encouragement to participate in healthy sports will help the youth invest their energies in productive activities instead of watching TikTok on mini screens.

Four, law and order must be ensured so that people are confident in applying themselves without the fear of being lifted or looted. Let the youth exploit their strengths in contemporary education discipline and do not tie them up to become doctors and engineers only. However, that would only be possible if our universities could offer courses in contemporary education.

Five, merit-based opportunities must be ensured for the future generation to make full use of their talent in whatever field they wish to choose to make a career and contribute to their family, and society.

While I have asked the state to do several things for us, what we must do for the state is that we own it and feel proud of being Pakistani. Project Pakistan’s positive image across the globe in whatever capacity we are and jealously guard its interests at all costs. Remember, we have no future if our beloved country has none. Allah has bestowed upon us everything, all we need is sincerity of purpose in our doings.

The writer of this article has authored three international books: “Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan” “South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace” and “Understanding Sun Tzu and the Art of Hybrid War.”