f you are a part of the group that still consumes news or information (or misinformation) from mainstream media, you would have regularly seen a pattern in every, political or non-political, leader’s statements in the country, starting with: “the future of this country depends on our youth”; or “Pakistan is blessed with a large percentage of young people who will lead us to prosperity”; and, one of my personal favourites: “the focus of our policies is the youth.” Ironically, nine out of ten times, these sermons are delivered by leaders who are in their late fifties and beyond and are quite disconnected from the youth of the country. The fact remains that we are failing our youth in providing an environment to thrive and play an important part in the progress of the country.

The United Nations broadly defines youth as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. This is a phase when they undergo significant physical, emotional and intellectual growth. Pakistan has a significant youth population, with approximately 65 percent of the total population under the age of 30. This makes Pakistan one of the youngest countries in the world. However, the fact remains that access to quality education remains a challenge for many young people in Pakistan. The youth unemployment rate in Pakistan is relatively high. Many young people face difficulties in finding suitable job opportunities due to a lack of skills, a limited job market and a growing population. Entrepreneurship and self-employment are emerging as alternative avenues for the youth, with technology and digital connectivity playing important roles in their growth.

A closer look at the statistics shows that not only is there a large percentage of individuals out of school at the primary level, but there is also a significant percentage failing to complete secondary education. According to a 2014 UNDP report, only 33.2 percent of the Pakistani population has some form of secondary education. So it is not just about the lack of enrollment; there is also a large percentage not seeing the value in the education being provided to them. As a result, they often choose to drop out of these institutions in search of employment that can provide immediate economic relief. This decision not only deprives them of valuable educational qualifications that would prove beneficial in the long run, but also hinders their opportunity to grow and develop in a manner aligned with their age and normal progression.

I witnessed some unfortunate incidents almost a decade ago when I was working with a social enterprise founded by some friends. We were working with students in the 9^th and 10^th grades – a critical period when students are moving towards the future direction of their professional careers. I remember one student who was exceptional in arts and was offered admission to a prestigious university in Islamabad. However, since his family was unable to afford the degree, he soon started working and learned photography and digital marketing to pursue a career in that field. He was not alone; many of those kids started working at a young age while learning on the job, which made it all the more difficult for them.

This divide becomes more apparent as you move away from the main urban centres. People living in those areas desire social mobility and uplift and value education, but the market does not have enough jobs for them. During a research project accompanying the launch of our comic book series on countering violent extremism at one of my previous jobs, this was one of the leading causes of youth getting involved with those organisations. They had put in effort and resources into education with the aim of becoming productive members of society, but they were failing to even sustain themselves.

One way to address this problem is to plan, develop and execute skill development programmes that focus on equipping young people with the necessary abilities, knowledge and competencies to navigate the challenges of life, education and employment. Developing skills that align with the needs of industries ensures better employability, reduces unemployment rates and fosters economic growth. It can act as a catalyst for addressing social challenges such as poverty, gender inequality and social exclusion. By targeting marginalised youth and empowering them with skills, we can create a more equitable society.

While Pakistani youth face numerous challenges, they also possess immense potential and aspirations. Many young people are eager to bring about positive change in their communities and the country as a whole. They are increasingly engaging in innovative ideas, startups and social initiatives to address societal issues. We have examples of individuals breaking barriers, moving to urban centres to pursue higher studies and then returning to start skill development centres to empower and motivate the youth in their areas. The use of technology and digital innovation is playing a crucial role. Many of these individuals utilise freelancing and e-commerce platforms to earn a sustainable income. The rising revenue generated by this sector serves as a shining example of its impact.

The government has also initiated skill development programmes at different levels that empower young people with the right skills and create employment opportunities through vocational and technical training. Ideally, these programmes should also contribute to the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership, in addition to technical skills. This will enhance the overall employability and adaptability of young individuals, enabling them to thrive in personal and professional environments. This can only be achieved through public-private partnerships that create skill-building programmes, mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurship support for young people. This will also aid in bridging the gap between educational institutions and the industry, effectively meeting the needs of both.

The youth of Pakistan face significant challenges in accessing quality education and suitable employment opportunities. However, by focusing on skill development programmes, leveraging technology and promoting public-private partnerships, we can empower them to overcome these challenges and shape a more equitable society. It is crucial that we prioritise their needs and provide them a suitable environment to thrive and achieve their immense potential.

The writer is a digital communication expert and consultant currently working in the public sector. 

He is the mastermind behind the digital platforms, Sukhan, Mani’s Cricket Myths and Over The Line