Youth they say is the backbone of the nation. Symbolically it represents hope and strength. Unfortunately in our country youth has been wronged at many levels. Consequently, the hope and strength of the nation has suffered a serious blow. Due to the tremendous rate of unemployment, inflation and energy crisis and no life security, the psychological pressure on youth has increased manifolds. The economic pressure further leads to oppressing need for jobs security and reasonable learning opportunities. The absence of this factor pushes youth into the abyss of depression. As a result, a negative attitude towards life is springing up among youth. The destructive trends like drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking ash are strengthening its root among youth. This depression has not only affected from lower income group but the middle class and the elite have also been affected. Unfortunately, there is no proper outlet for the youth vent out their depressive thoughts. So, they resort to illegal and destructive channels.
It is therefore essential that authorities take this issue seriously and take substantial steps to lift up the spirit of youth, which constitute 65 percent population of the country. Youth is the blood running through the vein of the nation and if it is not taken care of, the whole nation will suffer immensely.
AHMED ASHRAF BUTT
Lahore
