KARACHI:
The uncertainty brought by Covid has plunged much of the Pakistani youth into depression and stress. Online classes have become a major hurdle for many students due to the lack of access of appropriate technological devices, internet connectivity, and teaching support.
Many students feel unprepared for examinations and have greatly suffered academically. In addition, university graduates are now struggling to find a job in an already saturated job market. The pandemic has drastically reduced career opportunities for fresh graduates as many sectors have cut down on jobs to make ends meet. The youth find themselves dealing with significant mental strain as many have been struggling with mental health issues long before the pandemic started. An absence of therapy and counselling services has put the youth in a precarious state. Many are now entirely disillusioned from the post-Covid world and do not foresee things improving in the future.
I want to encourage the youth to break out of their pessimism and focus on improving themselves through acquiring free online courses. I urge the relevant authorities to consider the concerns of the youth and work towards some form of reformation programme to provide them relief.
Irraj Mahmood
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2021.
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