To be honest, this country has given nothing to its youth. Pakistan’s youth make up more than 60 per cent of the country’s population; despite this, they are totally excluded from the policy formulation process -- which is very disheartening.

As a representative of the youth and a member of the Youth Parliament, I believe there is room for improvement in the curriculum which can help the youth to achieve their goals. I say this because reforms in curriculum are one of the most important things a country can do for its students.

I come from a humble background. I was awarded scholarships for my studies, such as the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and the Balochistan Educational Endowment Fund (BEEF). In this context, I understand the importance of economics from a personal standpoint.

I believe that economic prosperity, political awareness, and freedom of expression will remain mere dreams until and unless we as a state begin to change our policies. In my opinion, this change should not be anything less than transformation of Pakistan from a security state to a social welfare state.

I also believe that we need to engage all our provinces in mega projects, such as CPEC in order to restore a true sense of a federation. The centre should focus on all provinces and distribute funds on the basis of backwardness, unemployment, illiteracy and other shortcomings, and not merely on the basis of population.

If we desire to have a functioning economy, we should follow the lead of successful democracies. Furthermore, in this modern world, killing our own people or indulging in proxy wars with neighbouring countries cannot help us prosper.

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I also want to contribute something for my society and my people in my district and province. I want to help by raising awareness among people about the importance of education and also impart knowledge to them about different opportunities through which they can receive quality education despite being financially handicapped.

The day I receive the same privileges as the youth of Lahore, I will be a patriotic and proud Pakistani. These privileges include: quality education, safety and security; a voice in the affairs of the country, and so on.

Without receiving these privileges I can never be a true patriot even if I want to be. I am and want to remain a patriotic Pakistani and I hope that State of Pakistan will facilitate me in this process.

Being an optimist, I hope that in future, the youth of this country will get something from their country and this will be a step in the right direction.

As told to Adnan Aamir