Youth-Bulge

Any country with a youth population equal to that of Pakistan would be a country of power. Today, there are more people aged 14 and younger in Pakistan than there are in America. This is indeed a blessing for us, but unfortunately, our government has never utilised this important resource. If educated, these young people can become nation-builders for the country, and if not, they can turn into a liability.

Pakistan is a young nation with 69 per cent of its total population being below 29 years of age and 53 per cent below 19 years. It is a sea of potential. Good quality education, basic rights and jobs can bring good economic growth and prosperity in the country. But this is currently not the case. A poor education system and unemployment have fostered a sense of alienation and deprivation, which has led to violence, crime and extremism.

Pakistan is facing gigantic problems from within and without as well. If our successive government had anticipated them, the irreparable losses we are suffering would not have happened. Quality education and jobs for the youth are the need of the hour.


Zuhaib Ahmed Pirzada
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2015.