The young generation is facing numerous challenges, including poverty, lack of quality education, and instability

People are losing hope, which triggers depression and other negative conditions. They have lost faith in their future and also in the future of their society.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

In Pakistan, nearly two-thirds of the population is under 30, which is often referred to as the country’s greatest asset. These young people have the opportunity to change Pakistan for the better. However, a large percentage of them are struggling. They face numerous challenges, including poverty, lack of quality education, and instability, that hinder their growth and overall well-being. How can Pakistan improve conditions and opportunities for its young people to help them thrive?

The situation in Pakistan is bad enough, but what if I told you it is worse than you think? According to statistics, unemployment among youth is hovering around 8.5%. But that’s just what’s being reported, or at least that’s what they want you to think. Unofficial sources say the number is much higher.

Many graduates are forced to settle for underpaid jobs, or even worse, stay unemployed for years. This lack of opportunities is a serious issue. As you might imagine, it causes an inordinate amount of mental distress. People lose hope, which can trigger depression and other negative conditions. These folks lose faith in their future and also in the future of their society. That lack of faith can be dangerous.

Pakistan’s educational system suffers from many issues. First, the curricula are outdated, meaning that the students are not being taught the knowledge that is required of them when they enter the workforce. Second, the schools often lack the infrastructure to do what they need to do. This includes things like poor or no internet, lack of access to up-to-date texts, and a shortage of properly qualified teachers. Third, there is disconnect between the requirements of the modern job market and what the students are being taught in school.

These are the basic problems, but they lead to further issues. One is that there is a difference in the quality of education between urban and rural areas. It is easier for urban schools to keep their standards up, while rural schools often fall behind. This also brings up the issue of the limited technical and vocational training. Rural schools have even less access to this kind of training. This leaves many young people, and especially those from rural areas, unprepared for the evolving economy. Mental health is just as important as physical health but in Pakistan, mental health is still much stigmatized. Despite rising stress among Pakistan’s youth from a lack of employment, emotional support, and affordable mental health services, mental health remains stigmatized. Even when the media touches on the subject, it is portrayed negatively. More focus should be given to addressing the mental health of Pakistan’s youth and less focus on the negative aspects of their experiences. If Pakistan wants its youth to be able to thrive, it needs to address their mental health. Another major issue is the absence of structured career counseling and mentoring. Most young people, especially from rural backgrounds, do not have access to information about scholarships, job options, or entrepreneurial opportunities. This lack of guidance is compounded by an absence of role models. Many children and young adults in rural areas of Sindh don’t know any adults who have successfully created their own businesses or who have had careers that took them away from the farm.

Read – Pakistan’s Youth Unemployment Crisis: A Wake-Up Call

Women face gender-based inequality. This inequality can restrict women’s access to education, employment, and mobility. Furthermore, cultural norms and expectations can make it harder for young women to participate in public life. For instance, some cultures may frown upon women working outside the home, and if a woman does work outside the home, the pay she receives may be lower than the pay a man receives for doing the same job.

Radicalization and Drug Abuse In vulnerable communities, lack of education, economic deprivation, and exposure to extremist ideologies create a breeding ground for radicalization. Simultaneously, the spread of drug abuse is becoming a serious threat, particularly among urban youth, as a coping mechanism for hopelessness and stress.

To harness the potential of its youth, Pakistan must make bold and inclusive policy choices. These choices must include increasing funding for public education, including community schools and colleges. Also, the government should work to improve the mental health services available to all Pakistanis. There needs to be an increase in job creation and investment in skills training programs. Finally, increased youth representation in governance and policy making would be helpful to guarantee that the voices of young people are heard.

The government, civil society, and private sector must work together to create a future where young people have the tools and support they need to thrive. This is not only the right thing to do but the only way to avoid future setbacks. Ignoring their struggles today risks the country’s progress tomorrow. Young people are already facing unprecedented hurdles, and their outlook for the future is not bright. The youth of Pakistan stand at a crossroads. With the right support, they can lead the nation into a new era of prosperity and innovation. But without urgent intervention, their dreams and Pakistan’s future may remain unfulfilled.

Read – Khekhro: The King of Thar Desert

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The writer is a social development professional based in Umarkot Sindh. He can be contacted by email anrahimoo@gmail.com