Editorial
The recent Republic Policy Seminar at a university revealed a deep concern shared by the teachers who attended. They said that it has become extremely difficult to sustain hope among their students, and many students are no longer optimistic about the future of the state and the society, and this loss of confidence is spreading fast. Teachers explained that when they try to guide students towards optimism, they are met with questions about democracy, human rights, fundamental rights, economic opportunities, and social justice, and these questions are so sharp that the teachers often feel confused at first and unconvincing in their answers later.
According to the teachers, this is a new globalized generation, and these young people are connected to the world, and they compare their own conditions with what they observe internationally, and this comparison creates frustration. Their education encourages reasoning, and their social interactions strengthen it further, and when they apply these principles to their individual and collective lives, they struggle to make sense of the contradictions they see around them. The teachers said that it has become a herculean task to convince students that Pakistan has a stable future as a society and as a state.
These concerns should ring loud alarms for those who shape policy and run institutions. When the youth lose confidence in democracy, justice, and opportunity, the future becomes uncertain, and if young people believe that the system cannot deliver fairness or dignity, they slowly disconnect from public life. A society cannot move forward if its educated youth feel powerless or hopeless.
The message is clear, and it is urgent. The state and its institutions must rebuild trust, restore fairness, and renew the social contract. If the youth remain disillusioned, the long term stability of the state and society will be at risk, and the consequences will be severe for everyone.
