Power of youth can transform Pakistan's future.

• Author: Shaikh, Nazir Ahmed

Byline: Nazir Ahmed Shaikh

The current population of Pakistan is 204 million which is 2.65 percent of the total world population. As per the new National Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); Pakistan is currently having the highest population of youth. Pakistan is termed as one of the youngest countries in the world and second youngest in South Asia, right below Afghanistan. A total of 64% of the total population is below the age of 30 while 29% of it belongs to the age bracket of 15 to 29 years.

Any study of human development is incomplete without considering demographic transition; a phenomenon likely to have a profound impact on Pakistan's future, given its young population.

Having a huge percentage of youth is a great advantage for the country if managed properly. If the government invests in its youth with education, employment and other opportunities, a country can witness great economic growth. Pakistani youth are passionate and have tremendous capacity to contribute to the progress and development of Pakistan, yet they are disillusioned, restless and unhappy with the current status quo. The youth of any country is very fragile, if not in safe hands, it can lead to a destruction of the country.

Different findings revealed some interesting acumens. For example 29 out of 100 young people are illiterate and only 6 percent have more than 12 years of education. Regarding employment, 39 of 100 youth are employed (32 of them males and 7 females), 57 of 100 youth (16 males and 41 females) are neither working nor seeking jobs, and only 4 percent are unemployed and actively looking for work.

Significant gaps were also found with regard to the space for social engagement and connectivity. Only 15 percent of youth have access to the Internet, 52 percent own a cell phone, 94 percent do not have access to a library, and 93 percent lack access to a sports facility.

Pakistan's constitution promises free education to all school age children. Unfortunately, the report finds that a staggering 9.45 million children are out of primary school. At the current annual net enrolment rate of 0.92 percent, complete enrollment of school children won't be reached until 2076. To meet the goal by 2030, the annual net enrolment rate has to quadruple to 3.8 percent.

Almost 4 million youth enter the working age population every year. If the current labor force participation rate and unemployment levels remain constant, 0.9 million...