Youth Engagement: The Need of the Hour

The youth are often told that they are the future of a nation. In Pakistan, however, when it comes to discussions about our homeland, the voices of the younger generation are often stifled. How can the youth ensure a better future if they are not permitted to improve their present?

Student unions have been banned in Pakistan for almost 40 years. These unions, comprising of student groups, serve as platforms for active engagement in practical politics. Their collective strength can pose significant challenges to undemocratic policies and governments. Before partition, a student union called the Muslim Students Federation played a pivotal role in the establishment of Pakistan. Even after partition, student unions continued to have a deep impact on national politics. For instance, in the 1960s, an Anti-Ayub Movement began. This movement, initiated by unemployed graduates and students, specifically targeted his economic policies. Eventually, the success of the movement led to the ouster of Ayub Khan’s government.

today’s youth remain at the forefront of challenging undemocratic practices, with the recent protests in Bangladesh serving as a powerful example of their ongoing fight for democratic values.

The influence of student unions in Pakistan was so formidable that when they organized a protest against feudalism, the ruling classes trembled at the prospect of a democratic revolution led by the people. As a consequence, the ruling classes aimed to suppress this threat. In 1984, General Zia ul Haq imposed a ban on student unions. Later, in 1993, the Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Afzal Zullah, issued a landmark ruling prohibiting students from engaging in political activities. The judgment required students to sign an affidavit pledging to abstain from politics as a condition for university admissions. This mandate silenced the voices of the youth and curbed their political activism.

Youth participation is recognized as a crucial driver of innovation and progress. Around the world, it is the younger generation that is at the forefront of addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, digital rights, and social justice. A notable example of this commitment to social justice is evident in the recent student protests and solidarity marches organized for Gaza. Furthermore, today’s youth remain at the forefront of challenging undemocratic practices, with the recent protests in Bangladesh serving as a powerful example of their ongoing fight for democratic values.

In Bangladesh, students voiced their frustration over the recently reinstated quota system for government jobs. The peaceful protests escalated into a challenge for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ruling party, the Awami League. The protests began with a demand for job quota reform; however, the government’s response to the unrest resulted in nearly 300 fatalities, further fueling public outrage. In a dramatic turn of events, the people were able to seize control of their country’s narrative.

In stark contrast, Pakistan today is grappling with fear surrounding the expression of political and religious opinions. The press, wary of reprisal, hesitates to publish content that could be perceived as anti-state, while allegations—whether accurate or not—suggest that the right to information is being curtailed. Amid these challenges, the potential impact of youth involvement remains substantial. However, the fear of organized efforts curbs the ability of young people to mobilize.

In the 1960s, youth activism was a powerful force. Students not only rallied against government policies but also against the exploitation of workers. They were joined by labor unions and focused on issues of political advocacy, human rights, and social justice. They attacked centrism. Yet, worker exploitation persists, with bonded labor continuing despite existing bans and legal frameworks.

Moreover, in 2023, the International Labor Organization (ILO) identified around 5.6 million unemployed people in Pakistan. It has been decades since Khan’s government, and all these issues remain unsolved. The divide between the elite and the masses remains as pronounced as ever. Those with money and influence continue to wield power, shaping national policies and controlling key affairs to their benefit.

Nevertheless, what is most often forgotten amidst fears is that the power of youth remains formidable. This is illustrated by the recent Twitter ban. The fact that the government feels threatened by something as seemingly innocuous as social media memes, or the mere fact that the masses have the right information, underscores the profound impact young people can have. It also highlights how youthful voices in public affairs can become a powerful tool to call for change.

Samara Bilal

The writer is a final year law student having keen interest in both corporate and family law.

• Samara Bilal

  https://spinetimes.pk/author/samara-bilal/

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