Peace and youth

The article throws a spotlight on the ticking time bomb Pakistan sits on if it continues to overlook its youth. With over 60 percent of the population under 30, the writer emphasizes that this demographic can either be the nation’s strength or its undoing. Left in the lurch by educational neglect, economic disparity, and digital manipulation, young people are increasingly falling prey to crime, extremism, and ideological exploitation. Militant groups, with the cunning of seasoned manipulators, fill the vacuum of identity and purpose for disillusioned youth, turning them into tools of destruction. Instead of being roped into narratives of peace, these young minds are pushed into the deep end of chaos. The author argues that investing in youth isn’t a choice but a necessity if Pakistan hopes to break free from the shackles of extremism and foster a future rooted in peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

Babakhel doesn’t stop at just diagnosing the problem. He lays down a concrete roadmap to steer this young generation toward peacebuilding. He stresses the importance of integrating peace education into school curriculums, using digital platforms to challenge hate speech, and giving young people real roles in local governance and decision-making. The article makes a strong case for leveraging social media and art to tell stories of hope and healing instead of hatred. Gender inclusion and employment opportunities are also cited as missing pieces of the puzzle. Youth-led forums, digital literacy, and cultural initiatives are presented as tools to reverse radicalization. The message is loud and clear: if we keep turning a blind eye to the youth and let them slip through the cracks, we’ll have no one to blame when they return as the face of the unrest we failed to prevent.

Overview:

The article focuses on the critical role of youth in peacebuilding and highlights how failure to engage and empower them is pushing Pakistan toward social instability. It provides a roadmap for reversing radicalization through education, digital peace campaigns, gender inclusion, and youth-centric policymaking.

NOTES:

The article emphasizes that Pakistan’s youth, constituting over 60% of the population, are both its greatest asset and potential liability. The author highlights that neglecting the needs of this Demographic particularly in education, employment, civic participation and personal development, has led many to drift towards crime, extremism, and social unrest. Militant and criminal elements exploit this vacuum, offering the youth a false sense of identity and purpose. The lack of inclusive national dialogue, weak political engagement, gender disparities and limited peace education further fuel this alienation. The article stresses the urgent need for structured interventions such as introducing peace and civic education in schools, initiating youth-led dialogues, ensuring the participation of marginalized groups (especially young women), and promoting constructive use of digital platforms. The writer also proposes university-level peace projects during semester breaks, encouraging influencers and journalists to share stories of resilience and tolerance. By drawing attention to these gaps and suggesting practical strategies, the article makes a compelling case for urgent policy reform to engage the youth positively and prevent them from becoming agents of instability.

Relevant CSS syllabus or subjects:

• Pakistan Affairs: Youth issues, extremism, social cohesion
• Current Affairs: Role of media and digital literacy, youth and peacebuilding
• Governance and Public Policy: Policy gaps, institutional roles, participatory governance
• Gender Studies: Gender inclusion in peace processes and policy reform

Notes for Beginners:

This article helps to understand how youth can either build or break a society. For example, the author points out that when students drop out or feel left behind, they can fall into the hands of extremist groups looking for easy recruits. If a young person sees no future through education or job opportunities, they might pick up arms or get involved in crime. Instead of letting this happen, the article suggests providing skill development, digital literacy, and peace education. With over 125 million young people in Pakistan and 116 million internet users, the influence of online platforms is huge. But without guidance, youth may fall victim to hate speech or fake news. Teaching them how to use these platforms for spreading peace and truth is essential. The article also urges the inclusion of women in peace efforts, emphasizing that no real change can happen by sidelining half the population.

Facts and Figures:

• 125 million Pakistanis are under the age of 30
• 116 million internet users in Pakistan as of early 2025
• 5 million unemployed individuals according to Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24
• Youth unemployment rate is 11.1 percent for ages 15-24
• 196 million mobile connections were active in 2023

To sum up, this article is a powerful reminder that the youth aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders but today’s responsibility. It gives reflection as well as direction, urging educators and communities to stop playing with fire and start investing in the energy and ideals of the young. If ignored, they may continue to walk a dangerous path but if guided well, they can become the cornerstone of a peaceful, inclusive and progressive Pakistan.

Difficult Words and Meaning:

• Lure: To tempt or attract with the promise of reward. Synonym: entice. Antonym: repel
• Virulent: Extremely severe or harmful. Synonym: vicious. Antonym: mild
• Cohesion: Unity and togetherness. Synonym: solidarity. Antonym: fragmentation
• Narrative: A particular viewpoint or story. Synonym: account. Antonym: silence
• Polarisation: Division into sharply contrasting groups. Synonym: partisanship. Antonym: unity
• Mob violence: Violent acts carried out by a crowd. Synonym: rioting. Antonym: peacekeeping
• Disillusioned: Losing faith in something once believed. Synonym: disappointed. Antonym: hopeful
• Empowerment: Giving someone power or authority. Synonym: enablement. Antonym: oppression