SUMMARY of the Article “Striving to Hope,” Dawn, August 14th, 2024

On this Independence Day, marked by the triumph of Arshad Nadeem at the Olympics, there is a slightly brighter outlook for Pakistan, a country often seen as an underdog. However, this optimism must be tempered with reflection on the future for the nation’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population. August 12, the UN’s International Youth Day, serves as a reminder of the challenges these young people face. Pakistan is experiencing a ‘youth bulge,’ with a significant portion of its population under 30. This demographic reality, often misinterpreted as a sign of potential power, is actually a warning. The resources required to support such a large young population—education, healthcare, employment—are insufficient, leading to widespread unemployment and associated mental health issues. The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leaving many young people in a state of uncertainty and prompting them to seek opportunities abroad. The societal and cultural environment also contributes to this crisis, with social media creating unrealistic standards of wealth and success, fueling anxiety and depression among the youth. Despite the celebration of underdog stories like that of Nadeem, the article argues that it is essential for older generations and policymakers to reduce the obstacles young people face. This includes controlling population growth, creating effective » Read More…