Photo Credits: Muneer BalochPakistan is one of the youngest countries in the region in terms of demographics. 64 percent population of Pakistan is aged 29 years or less. The youth was termed by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the “nation-builders of tomorrow.” While the youth in Pakistan is critical for the development of any country, it is imperative to prepare it in such a manner that they may turn out to be exceptional leaders of tomorrow, for which a robust government policy is required.
Youth Policy is a document that lists in detail what a government plans to do to nurture and groom the youth in the best possible ways. Youth Policy covers areas from educating youth to providing them with recreational facilities and preventing them from getting involved in social evils such as drug addiction and getting trapped in malicious plans of the adversaries. In other words, youth policy is meant to provide an umbrella for youth to protect them during their youthful years and prepare them to become effective and efficient professionals in the future.
After the 18th amendment, the subject of youth affairs was devolved to provinces. Therefore, to help harness the talent of youth, each provincial government was expected to develop its youth policy. Punjab approved its youth policy in 2012, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2016, and Sindh in 2018. However, to date, Balochistan has failed to produce and approve its youth policy, depicting the sad state of affairs in the province.
Following are some key areas of concern that the government must take into consideration and devise an over-arching and comprehensive youth policy that will ensure the prosperity of the Baloch youth: –
- Balochistan’s youth deserve access to quality education and vocational training opportunities. A dedicated Youth Policy could address the disparities in educational infrastructure and ensure that youngsters of Balochistan are equipped with skills that are relevant to the job market.
- Access to healthcare services, including mental health support, is essential for the well-being of young people. A Youth Policy can pave the way for improved healthcare facilities and support systems, specifically tailored to address the unique health challenges faced by Balochistan’s youth.
- Balochistan possesses significant potential for entrepreneurship and job creation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. A Youth Policy could encourage and support young individuals in exploring these opportunities, ultimately stimulating economic growth within the province.
- Balochistan’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and identity. A Youth Policy can promote cultural exchange programs and initiatives that empower youngsters from the province to take ownership of their heritage, preserving it for generations to come.
- Lastly, tackling social issues like drug addiction and youth delinquency requires a multifaceted approach. A Youth Policy could outline strategies for prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement, effectively addressing these challenges and fostering a healthier, more vibrant society.
The youth of Balochistan represent the region’s greatest asset and its hope for a brighter future. To unlock this potential, it is imperative that Balochistan swiftly develops and approves its own Youth Policy. Such a policy would not only empower the young generation but also contribute significantly to the overall development of the province. Balochistan cannot afford to lag in nurturing its “nation-builders of tomorrow.” It’s time to invest in Balochistan’s youth and pave the way for a prosperous future.
