WAJEHA KHAN
M.Phil. Scholar
Hazara University Mansehra
Pakistan stands at the defining moment in the demographic journey, with one of the largest youth populations in the world. Over 60 percent of its citizens are under the age of 30, presenting both a significant opportunity and daunting challenge.
This phenomenon is known as “youth bulge,” a stage in a demographic transition where the country has a disproportionately large cohort of young people entering the workforce.
If effectively educated, skilled, and productively employed, this youth bulge can transform into a powerful demographic dividend, driving sustained economic growth, innovation, and social development. However, if neglected and left without adequate opportunities, it risks becoming a demographic challenge.
Therefore the youth bulge can cause social disasters. The literacy rate in Pakistan is merely 63%. The education ratio among males and females is 73.4% and 51.9% respectively. The illiterate youth becomes a burden for the government as their contribution is lowered in the form of human capital. These individuals increase the welfare costs and resource consumption with bare-minimum addition to productivity. Thus the youth bulge becomes a disaster when the mouths feeding are more than hands working. In conclusion, the youth bulge in Pakistan making nearly 63% of the population is a demographic asset for Pakistan when it has a proper direction and lucrative opportunities. It has potential to improve the economic growth, political culture and social dynamics. They have a vital role in academics, technological and innovative advancement in country. The young minds and sprightly ambitious of the youth bulge are the demographic asset for Pakistan. However, the youth bulge if neglected can bring a social
disaster in the form of crime indulgence and burden on the already unstabilized governance structure. Nevertheless, the potential and the spirit of the youth overrider the issues and make the youth bulge of Pakistan a demographic asset.
“the path forward demands sustained commitment” from all sectors of stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, international partners and youth themselves. investment in quality education, job creation, inclusive governance, social equity are essential to “unlock the promise of this demographic moment.”
As history has shown in other nations, the youth bulge is a time-bound window of opportunity that cannot be squandered to waste (something valuable carelessly). As Nelson Mandela aptly said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” Pakistan must act decisively and collectively to empower its young generation and secure a stable, prosperous and sustainable future.
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