The young population of Pakistan can be seen as a problem as well as an opportunity.

So far we have been unable to realise the potential of the youth. We have failed to fully integrate them in the policy and governance models. At times, we have also been unmindful of this asset.

The goals and targets set for the future should have significant input from those to whom the future belongs. The opposite is happening. It is mostly the old guard who chalk out the future course for the youth. The voices of the youth often do not find enough attention in the policy and decision-making corridors. As a result the youth are not only disoriented but also prone to violent extremism.

Making the local governments youth-led can help engage them in healthy political activity. This will also prepare them for the future challenges. They will have a firsthand experience of the decision-making process.

The local governments should be the domain of young leaders. They should devise strategies for sustainable development and progress. Development or progress can’t be sustainable unless it caters to the needs and aspirations of the future generation.

Participation of the youth in policy making can bring sustainability to the policies. The driving idea is that the democratically elected youth can be instrumental in making the governments more effective and democratically entrenched.

Ceding leadership of the local governments to the youth will enable them to learn and feel empowered. They will grow more aware of their rights, develop decision-making skills and gain a sense of control. Participation may also enhance their interests in engaging in community service, political action and other forms of public engagement. For some, it may lead to taking interest in the public service sector.

To this end, amendments should be made in the Local Government Act to make it youth-oriented. This will not only strengthen the democratic system but will also reduce the likelihood of the youth ending up supporting extremists.

Making local governments youth-led is hard in a system where so called electables are preferred by most parties.

The youth represent the most influential and influenced segment of the society. They can play a vital role in community development through self-governance. It is imperative to listen to the youth’s aspirations and utilise their vast energies.

They should participate in the local government politics and create an environment where rule of law is ensured, corruption is eradicated and transparency in public bodies is increased. Making local governments the avenues where the youth can engage, influence and show their commitment as leaders of the future can be a huge success for democracy.

It is hard to make local governments youth-led in a country where most parties prefer ‘electables’ for their election tickets.

There is a need to raise awareness among the political parties and the general public about the significance of the role of youth in society. Their accomplishments and achievements need to be highlighted. There is a proposal to amend the constitution to require that all political parties give a certain proportion of tickets in local government polls to candidates below the age of forty.

Prime Minister Imran Khan is a staunch opponent of dynastic politics and believes in greater representation for the youth in politics.

There has already been a visible increase in the number of young parliamentarians in the National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies. The need of the hour is to better equip the youth for reforms in the political structure and political culture. We also need reforms in the education sector which should have greater focus on skills development. This will enhance the youth’s input in the development and governance models.

Appropriate policies and interventions in the political, social, educational, and economic sectors can help the youth do better and make them safer and more productive.

The writer is an advocacy officer at Sustainable    Development Policy   Institute, Islamabad