Boosting morale

It is not every day that Forbes lists Pakistanis under the age of 30 among those excelling in their respective fields — from technology to fashion. Despite all the ills facing the country, we can at least bask in the afterglow of their success and nurture greater hope in their talents in the future. The fact that Pakistan is producing some exceptionally great minds with multiple talents in different walks of life is indeed encouraging. Such recognition at the global level does lift the morale of the citizenry in a country that is plagued by terrorism and extremism.

However, while we take pride in the achievement and international recognition of our GenX leaders, it is also important to understand that the environment within the country itself is not conducive enough for our youth to explore their potential. At least most, if not all, of the four trailblazers mentioned in the Forbes list have had their skills honed in the West. Despite Pakistan having a significant youth bulge, there are many who remain uneducated and unable to make something out of their lives owing to fewer opportunities. A 2016 report by Unicef scored Pakistan 0.63 on the Commonwealth Youth Development Index, ranking it at 22^nd out of 54 countries. This is not to say that the country in itself does not produce any pathfinders among our youth, the likes of Sidra Qasim, the co-founder of the Pakistani shoe-selling company Markhor is proof, but these are mere exceptions than the norm.

For the country to be truly able to tap the potential of its youth bulge, more efforts need to be made. These should not be limited to providing a safe environment free of extremism, but one in which investment is made in quality education and vocational training to avert the brain drain Pakistan routinely experiences.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2017.

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