| “YOUTH IN GOVERNANCE” Few
young people or adults in Pakistan have a basic understanding
of the social structures and processes which shape their lives.
They are unable to explain how the economy, politics, society
and culture work. Few have a theoretical and practical understanding
of their existing rights and responsibilities and a considered
view on how these should be modified and extended in order
to resolve pressing social problems to create a 'better' world.
This social illiteracy can be attributed towards the general
apathy amongst today’s youngsters towards their society.
Under the Constitution of Pakistan and amendment approved
by the National Assembly in 2004 the Voting age has been reduced
from 21 years to 18-years. This means that Youth - Girls and
Boys of 18 to 21 have now additionally been empowered to participate
in Nation Building. The question is, are they prepared to
or even capable of taking on this heavy responsibility given
to it?
Youth are potential assets for the over-reaching goals of
economic and social development and generally exhibit greater
receptivity to new ideas and are more often innovative. The
youth strategy of World Bank mentions that youth are the most
vulnerable part of the population and poor governance of a
country really impacts the employment rates of youth. This
makes youth one of the significant stake-holders in the development
efforts by international organizations. Lack of participation
and empowerment of youth to make a difference in their communities
is also one of the reasons why many youth in Pakistan have
either moved towards militancy or became disillusioned with
the political spectrum of the nation.
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