Pakistani Youth and Democracy: Strengthening or Weakening
- Challenges Faced by Youth: Pakistani youth struggle with limited access to quality education, unemployment, low wages, and lack of political representation.
- Democracy and Governance Issues: Corruption, military influence, and political instability hinder youth participation and representation in decision-making processes.
- Need for Empowerment: Empowering youth through education, leadership programs, and political inclusion is vital for national progress and stability.
Over 60% of Pakistan’s population consists of young people, making them a vital demographic for the country’s progress. However, they face numerous challenges that hinder their potential. A significant number of Pakistani youth lack proper guidance in choosing their field of study, compounded by insufficient resources and limited access to quality education. For many, education remains a privilege rather than a right. Even after completing their education, securing stable and decent employment is a struggle. Issues like underemployment, low wages, and poor working conditions, including long hours and minimal salaries, are common hurdles.
Despite forming the majority of the population, Pakistan’s youth lack meaningful representation in politics and governance. Their voices remain unheard on critical issues that shape their future. This disconnect stems from the political system’s entrenched nature, where democracy often exists in name only. Political power in Pakistan has long been concentrated in the hands of influential families, such as the Bhutto-Zardari family leading the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Sharif family heading the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), and Imran Khan’s leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This dynastic centralization marginalizes ordinary citizens, further alienating the youth from decision-making processes.
Adding to the complexities, the nonpolitical forces wield substantial influence over Pakistan’s governance, controlling critical areas such as security, foreign policy, and segments of the economy. The establishment often manipulates political outcomes to ensure its preferred policies prevail, either by supporting or opposing specific political figures or parties. Beyond its sway over politics and the economy, these actors influence extends to the judiciary and legislature, often shaping judicial decisions to align with its interests. This blurs the lines between civilian and non-civilian authority, creating an imbalance in governance.
Elections, a cornerstone of democracy, are often undermined in Pakistan through corruption and vote-buying. Procedural challenges disproportionately affect the youth, from obtaining identity cards to enduring long waits at polling stations, only to discover that their votes carry little weight in predetermined political outcomes. Such disillusionment with the electoral process has further eroded trust in democratic institutions among the youth.
Recent political protests led by Imran Khan’s supporters, primarily young people, highlight the volatile political landscape. These demonstrations, demanding Khan’s release, were met with media censorship and internet blackouts. The protests caused significant economic and physical damage, including the destruction of surveillance equipment, police vehicles, and business disruptions, while violent clashes injured many. These events underscore the lack of critical thinking among some segments of the youth, who often blindly follow political leaders without understanding their rights or the broader implications of their actions.
This scenario raises pertinent questions: Will Pakistan’s youth take the initiative to drive change independently, or will they continue to rely on political leaders to shape their future? Can they achieve meaningful representation in national policies and decision-making processes? Is there hope for free and fair elections to pave the way for political stability?
Economic instability further exacerbates the plight of Pakistan’s youth. Political turmoil and unfavorable economic conditions have driven many skilled young individuals to leave the country. Initiatives like the National Youth Council were established to incorporate youth voices in policymaking across provinces, but their effectiveness remains limited. According to the World Bank’s “Macro Poverty Outlook for Pakistan,” the poverty rate is projected to remain around 40% through 2026 due to stagnant real wages and insufficient job creation. Low foreign reserves further strain the economy, making recovery challenging.
The unemployment rate, recorded at 5.5% in 2023, has been worsened by inflation and a high cost of living. Despite having the third-largest population of university-age individuals globally, Pakistan’s tertiary enrollment rate remains below the global average. Cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad contribute significantly to international student mobility, with career prospects, quality education, and post-study work opportunities being the primary motivators for studying abroad.
Youth are undeniably a nation’s greatest asset. Harnessing their energy, creativity, and innovation is essential for fostering economic growth, social progress, and political stability. Studies, such as “The Democratic Attitude of Youth: Evidence from Pakistan,” reveal that despite challenges like corruption, social injustice, nepotism, and political instability, the majority of Pakistani youth support democracy and reject alternative forms of governance. This underscores the importance of youth-centric policies to address their unique needs and aspirations.
Involving young people in politics and governance is crucial for ensuring that policies are reflective of their challenges and perspectives. Leadership development programs and volunteer initiatives can play a significant role in building critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, and a sense of civic responsibility among the youth. Instead of discouraging them, efforts must be made to empower young people to actively participate in the political process.
Comprehensive planning is required to strengthen democracy in Pakistan and restore the trust of the youth. Reducing the involvement of hidden hands in politics and reinforcing civilian institutions like the judiciary, parliament, and local governments are critical steps. Electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections, along with improved civil-military collaboration through dialogue, are necessary to create an environment where the youth feel valued and engaged in shaping the nation’s future.
By addressing these challenges and leveraging the potential of its youth, Pakistan can set the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive, and democratic future. Investing in young people is not just an option but a necessity for sustainable development and national progress.
The author is a graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from BUITEMS, Quetta. She is also an alumna of the Women2Women America International Leadership Program.
