Dr Bilawal Kamran

Hope is a positive emotion that involves having a vision of a better future and believing that it is possible to achieve it. Hope is essential for humans because it can inspire them to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and cope with adversity. Hope can also enhance their well-being, resilience, and creativity.

Hope can be instilled in despaired nations by providing them with opportunities, resources, and support to improve their situations and address their problems. Hope can also be fostered by empowering people to participate in social change, promoting a culture of solidarity and cooperation, and celebrating the achievements and successes of the nation.

Pakistan can build its society and state on hope by investing in human development, especially in education, health, and social protection. Pakistan can also strengthen its democratic institutions, promote good governance and accountability, and combat corruption and extremism. Pakistan can also diversify its economy, boost its exports and productivity, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Pakistan can also enhance its regional and international cooperation, especially with its neighbours, to resolve conflicts and promote peace and stability.

The primary reasons for the hopelessness among Pakistani youth may include:

• High unemployment and underemployment rates, especially among the educated youth. According to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan was 8.5% in 2020, while the underemployment rate was 19.1%. This means that many young people are either still looking for a job that matches their skills and qualifications or are working in low-paid and informal sectors that do not offer them security and benefits.
• Lack of opportunities and resources for education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Many young people need help accessing quality education, especially in rural and remote areas where there is a shortage of schools, teachers, and infrastructure. Moreover, the education system needs to adequately prepare the youth for the changing demands of the labour market and the global economy. There is also a need for more support and incentives for young people who want to start their own businesses, pursue creative endeavours, or engage in research and development.
• Social and political exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination. Many young people feel that they do not have a voice or a stake in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and futures. They also face various forms of discrimination and violence based on their gender, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. For example, young women face greater challenges than young men in accessing education, employment, health care, and justice. Similarly, young people from minority groups or conflict-affected regions face more difficulties in enjoying their rights and freedoms.

• Cultural and psychological factors undermine their self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. Many young people suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness due to the negative influences of their environment, such as poverty, violence, corruption, media, peer pressure, and social norms. They also lack positive role models, mentors, and guidance that can inspire them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Therefore, it is critical to instil hope among the youth in Pakistan; some possible administrative, social, political and cultural strategies are:

• Administrative: The government should implement effective policies and programs that address the needs and challenges of the youth in various domains, such as education, employment, health, justice, and civic participation. The government should also allocate adequate resources and budget for youth development initiatives, monitor their implementation and impact, and ensure transparency and accountability. The government should also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions, media outlets, and international partners, to leverage their expertise and resources for youth empowerment.
• Social: Society should create a supportive and enabling environment for the youth to thrive and flourish. Society should also recognize and appreciate the contributions and achievements of the youth in various fields and sectors. Society should also promote a culture of tolerance, diversity, dialogue, and peace among youth from different backgrounds and perspectives. Society should also encourage the youth to engage in social service activities that benefit their communities and the nation.
• Political: The political system should ensure that the youth have equal opportunities and platforms to participate in the democratic processes and institutions that shape their country’s future. The political system should also respect and protect the rights and freedoms of the youth to express their opinions, beliefs, and aspirations without fear or intimidation. The political system should also foster a culture of accountability, responsibility, and integrity among the political leaders and representatives who serve as role models for the youth.
• Cultural: The cultural sphere should provide the youth with positive values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that inspire them to pursue their dreams and potential. The cultural sphere should also provide the youth with creative outlets for their talents, passions, and interests. The cultural sphere should also provide the youth with psychological resources, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and hopefulness, to help them cope with stress, adversity, and uncertainty. The cultural sphere should also provide the youth with spiritual guidance and wisdom to help them find meaning and purpose in their lives.

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