In most of the developing countries like Pakistan young people are growing up without opportunities, information and services they need to reach their full potential. There is mounting evidence to prove that lack of investment and an indifference to the needs of youth incur a high cost in terms of lost development opportunities, ill health and social, physical, mental disruption. And it means failure to fully support our present asset as well as next generation of parents and leaders. There is no doubt that the youth have been at the centre of socio-economic and socio-political changes taking place in Pakistan and elsewhere.
The problem our youth is facing at present is frustration. This thing is eating up our youth slowly and gradually. The youth in Pakistan dont have jobs, means of healthy entertainment, health resources and awareness. This is the right time to look into the problems of youth and give them viable solutions otherwise it will be too late in the day. We need to bear in mind that the destiny of nations is in the hands of youth. As for education of our youth, there is a feeling that it should be more productive and progressive in terms of its application and usage. There is no formal guidance for students in logical selection of a specific course of study. There is no unified, single education system in the country. Unemployment is another problem being faced by our youths. Though every government has done something for the youth with regards to eradication of unemployment but the problem is sustainability of these programmes. One government launches a couple of youth promotion and youth investment schemes, the next one slates all the previous programmes and starts anew.
Our youth has lost its identity. We need to enable our youth to rediscover their identity .There must be remedial measures at governmental, social and individual levels to restore the confidence of the youth in their potential qualities. We have to prepare our youth to face the challenges of the time with unshakable courage and youthful confidence.
SADIA ZAHEER
Lahore
