Rebirth of Football in Pakistan.

Pakistan is one of the most forAtunate countries to have an exApanding youth bulge where most of the population is children and young adults. According to the IMF, the rising share of the working-age population can help to boost a country's economy. However, this demographic dividend can beAcome a ticking bomb in developing countries if not used productively. When these young adults cannot find enough employment opportuAnities and earn satisfactorily, they become vulnerable to an increased risk of illegal and violent activities and can easily be manipulated.

According to a United Nations report, almost 63% of Pakistan's population is young adults within the age bracket of 15 to 33 years. Apart from requiring employment, education, and health facilities, we also need to create sports and recreational facilities for all these young adults. It is a proven scienAtific fact that the youth's participaAtion in sports keeps them mentally and physically healthy. EncouragAing sports activities also helps a country to gain glory by having great national heroes.

Keeping in view the need to proAmote healthy recreational activAities, the Pakistani government needs to build more playgrounds and create platforms for the youth. Although Pakistan has achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of cricket, we also need to promote other sports like hockey, gymnastics, and football. UnfortuAnately, Pakistan has always ignored a potential game like football. It can not only create promising employAment opportunities for many but also earn a great deal of revenue for the Pakistani economy.

Due to the lack of tutelage from the government, many local footAball players are trying their best to keep this sport alive in...