Our greatest asset

In the current situation in Pakistan, youth can play a significant role by offering innovative ideas to help the government navigate the financial crises and progress toward improvement. Innovation has always been recognized as the engine driving progress and development. In every corner of the world, visionary individuals have ignited transformative changes through their creative ideas and entrepreneurial zeal. Within the context of nation-building, the contributions of youth in generating innovative solutions are particularly invaluable. Empowering young minds to propose and implement innovative ideas not only fosters a culture of creativity but also serves as a catalyst for positive change and national advancement.

Youth possess a distinct perspective and a natural inclination toward innovation. Unbound by conventional thinking, they approach challenges with fresh perspectives and a readiness to challenge the status quo. The innovative ideas conceived by youth, ranging from utilizing technology to address societal challenges to pioneering novel approaches in governance and policymaking, possess the potential to redefine the course of nations. A key strategy in harnessing the creative energy of youth involves establishing platforms and initiatives that foster ideation and collaboration. Events like hackathons, innovation challenges, and incubator programs provide young innovators with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to realize their ideas. By cultivating an ecosystem conducive to innovation, governments and organizations can tap into the latent talent of youth and unleash a wave of transformative solutions.

Youth-led innovation holds significant promise in tackling a myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting nations today. Whether it’s combating unemployment through entrepreneurship endeavors, revolutionizing healthcare delivery via telemedicine and digital health solutions, or promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security, youth possess the capacity to drive substantial impact across diverse sectors. In an increasingly digital landscape, access to education and information is pivotal for empowering individuals and propelling socio-economic progress. Youth-driven initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education, leveraging technology for skill development, and advocating for digital literacy can bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized communities, thus paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.

The imperative to address climate change and environmental degradation demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability and conservation. Youth-led movements advocating for the adoption of renewable energy, waste management initiatives, and conservation efforts are galvanizing awareness and mobilizing action at the grassroots level. By harnessing the passion and vigor of youth, countries can expedite the transition toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Youth engagement in governance processes is indispensable for nurturing inclusive and accountable governance. Innovative approaches such as participatory budgeting, citizen engagement platforms, and digital democracy tools empower youth to actively participate in decision-making processes and hold leaders accountable. By amplifying youth voices in policymaking, countries can ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and aspirations of future generations.

When contemplating the role of Pakistan, questions often arise regarding its creation and the contributions of its institutions, particularly the military. Some disillusioned or frustrated individuals may voice grievances, questioning the actions of the country and its armed forces. However, in civilized societies, ethical considerations underpin every action, discouraging profanity and baseless accusations. Strict laws against defamation and unsupported claims serve to uphold integrity and discourage unwarranted attacks. Regrettably, our society often overlooks ethical values, fostering a culture of gossip, slander, and unfounded allegations. This pervasive behavior extends to various spheres, including politics, where self-interest often overrides tolerance and mutual respect.

In Islam, love and respect for religion are paramount duties, followed by a similar reverence for the country. Matters such as monotheism and belief in the finality of prophethood are held without question, underscoring the significance of unwavering faith. Similarly, love for the country occupies a revered position, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and devotion to the nation. Adhering to the constitution and laws of the country is not just a requirement but a fundamental aspect of any civilized society.

The armed forces are entrusted with safeguarding the ideological borders of the nation. The Pakistan Army stands out globally as one of the finest forces, owing to the patriotism, professionalism, and unwavering sacrifices of its courageous personnel. Their commitment ensures that our beloved country is respected and protected. The gallant soldiers, sacrificing their rest for our peace and security, rightfully earn the title of heroes. Whether it’s the Army, Navy, or Air Force, those valiantly defending our longest and most challenging ideological frontiers epitomize bravery and honor. Our military intelligence agency also stands as a formidable deterrent to our adversaries.

The Pakistan Army has rendered invaluable services in safeguarding both our external and ideological borders as well as tackling internal threats. The nation acknowledges and appreciates the efforts and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, which have contributed significantly to the eradication of terrorism and extremism, leading to an improved situation. Moreover, the Pakistan Army consistently takes the lead in responding to natural disasters and aiding the affected.

Their contributions extend beyond security to include preserving our national assets, maintaining law and order, supporting healthcare and education, and infrastructure development. Without the transparent conduct of censuses and elections facilitated by the

Pakistan Army’s participation and selfless cooperation, such crucial national processes would be challenging.

Indeed, the Pakistan Army serves as a beacon of hope in a nation grappling with corruption and terrorism. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the weight of patriotism is shared among all segments of society. Developed countries often demonstrate full moral support for their armed forces, understanding the symbiotic relationship between the military and the people they protect. While freedom of expression is paramount in civilized societies, even in developed nations, certain limitations exist, prohibiting disparaging remarks against religion, country, and armed forces.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there’s a trend of targeting religion, country, and armed forces under the guise of freedom of expression, particularly through social media channels. It’s disheartening that some intellectuals remain silent on pressing issues like corruption, inflation, and unemployment while directing unwarranted criticism toward religion, country, and armed forces.

It falls upon the state to enact and enforce strict regulations to curb such irrational behavior, which does not represent the views of the broader youth population. This culture of disparagement is detrimental to the nation’s larger interests. A resolute stance should be taken against hate speech, baseless accusations, and false narratives targeting religion, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army.

Pakistan, with its sizable youth demographic, stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The youth embody a potent force, brimming with talent, creativity, and latent potential. Recognizing the imperative to harness this demographic dividend, efforts to empower youth and drive socio-economic development are gaining momentum. Across education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and civic engagement, Pakistan’s youth are poised to shape the nation’s future positively. The youth of Pakistan embody a potent force, teeming with talent, creativity, and boundless potential. In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the imperative to tap into this demographic dividend by offering meaningful avenues for youth empowerment and socio-economic advancement. From education and entrepreneurship to innovation and civic engagement, the array of opportunities available to Pakistani youth is both diverse and promising.

Education stands as the cornerstone of progress and development, with a pivotal role in unleashing the potential of Pakistan’s youth. Prioritizing investments in quality education, initiatives aimed at enhancing access, improving teaching standards, and fostering skill development are crucial for equipping youth with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a competitive global landscape. Furthermore, addressing gender disparities in education and ensuring universal access are essential steps toward fostering inclusivity and societal mobility.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and employment generation in Pakistan. With a burgeoning startup ecosystem and a burgeoning appetite for innovation, youth have ample opportunities to venture into entrepreneurship and transform their ideas into successful enterprises. Government-led initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and various incubation programs provide vital support, mentorship, and financial assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to overcome barriers and realize their entrepreneurial aspirations.

The rapid pace of digitization and technological advancements presents unprecedented opportunities for Pakistani youth. From software development and digital marketing to e-commerce and freelancing, the digital economy offers a plethora of avenues for youth to leverage their skills and talents. Initiatives focused on promoting digital literacy, expanding internet access, and establishing innovation hubs empower youth to utilize technology for socio-economic advancement and job creation.

Active engagement in civic and social initiatives is pivotal for driving positive change and cultivating a culture of participatory citizenship among youth. Youth-led organizations, volunteer programs, and advocacy campaigns play a vital role in addressing critical issues such as social inequality, environmental sustainability, and human rights. By mobilizing youth around common causes and providing platforms for civic participation, Pakistan can nurture a generation of socially conscious leaders committed to building a fairer and more equitable society.

International exposure and cross-cultural exchanges offer valuable learning opportunities and open doors to a world of possibilities for Pakistani youth. Scholarships, exchange programs, and youth ambassador initiatives provide avenues for youth to study abroad, participate in cultural exchanges, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. These experiences broaden horizons, impart valuable skills, perspectives, and networks, ultimately fostering personal and professional growth.

In these challenging times, active involvement, especially from the youth, is essential for advancing the betterment and progress of our nation. It is imperative that the youth of Pakistan remain resilient and engage in constructive and innovative endeavors. We anticipate that this challenging period will eventually pass, providing our vital youth with enhanced opportunities for growth and development.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Abdul Basit Alvi
The writer is a freelance columnist

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