Daily Times

Seeing enthusiastic, ambitious, well-spoken youngsters exchange their views on the manifestos of the parties was delightful. One could see the enthusiasm of the youngsters of Pakistan and their aim to work and contribute to the country.

Although elections are now done and over with, the event, such as the one organised by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) and United Nationals Development Programme (UNDP), should take place more often.

On paper, in manifestoes and in speeches, one might find inevitable traces of how politicians have helped to inspire the youth and engage them for the betterment of the country. But it is only on paper, in manifestoes and in speeches that it looks and sounds good. The real picture is quite different. With youth unemployment in Pakistan reaching more than 9 percent, with more than 2 million adding to the pool of potential workforce every year, the situation looks dire. According to Global Youth Development Index 2017, Pakistan remains the only emerging country to fall under the last 20 countries (154 out of 183) in the world. What makes this more ironic and agonising is the fact that we are a nation with one of the biggest Youth Bulge in the world i.e. 63 percent.

But why is there no plausible improvement? Following are 3 key recommendations that can result in a substantial improvement and help engage the youngsters not only in letters but also in spirit i.e. practically and potently. In the coming days, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will most likely form government at the centre, while retaining its hold on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is still eyeing Punjab, and will form a coalition government in Balochistan. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) has retained hold over Sindh.

With youth unemployment in Pakistan reaching more than 9 percent, with more than 2 million adding to the pool of potential workforce every year, the situation looks dire. According to Global Youth Development Index 2017, Pakistan remains the only emerging country to fall under the last 20 countries (154 out of 183) in the world

Moving forward, the parties that have won need to make youth initiatives and programs mentioned in their manifestoes more effective. They can do this by aligning them with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)’s defined by the UN. What good will this do? Firstly, it will help Pakistan build a soft image around the world i.e. our youngsters contributing to the problems that affect the whole globe. Second, directly or indirectly it will help the government itself. It will allow them to engage a good chunk of the country’s population.

I personally interact with so many young individuals who are engaged in such inspiring and projects that at times it is hard to believe given the contrasting image of our country. There are two things to consider here. First, divesting autonomy to the youngsters. Second, providing incentives. The support of the government is indispensable in this regard.

If this happens, as described above, the projects aligned with SDGs and other initiatives, can then be discussed on bi-annual, annual or quarterly basis.

We need more focus on the youth as well. For instance, nobody knew that on July 17, there was a dialogue involving youngsters and politicians discussing important matters before the General Elections.

Take for example the case of Wasma Imran, a LUMS alumnus, who has started a revolution in sustainable menstrual product options in Pakistan, and was recognised by the BBC. Was she invited by any Pakistani news channel to share her vision?

Zahid Imran, who is running a skills-based Education program, something that is indispensable in the contemporary world, works 24/7. He is determined to bridge the innovation gap in academia and help youngsters upgrade their skills. Yet he has received no recognition, no appreciation or any monetary assistance from the government. If this is the way we are going to treat the ambitious youngsters of our country, then the brain drain is only going to get worse.

Little differences can make a huge impact. There is a need to building a youth-narrative. Providing them incentives. Stimulating the youngsters to mobilise, to act. We need a serious and sincere effort to highlight their work and initiatives on not only the national but international level.

It’s time to move ahead from the manifestos.

The writer is a student of International Relations with interest in International Political Economy. He can be reached at osamarizvi10@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, August 1^st 2018.