Zeeshan Hoti

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has always been a land of cultural richness and variety. For centuries, it stood against the furore of empires and ideas. The Silk Road wound its way through the solid rocks of its mountains, carrying merchants, scholars and mystics between Central Asia and the subcontinent, thus establishing a solid bedrock for its youth.

The youth of KP, about 51–53 percent of province’s total population, is an unparalleled asset, poised to drive Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.  With the right opportunities and resources, they have the potential to become a formidable force, contributing to economic growth, social development and national advancement.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

KP government has taken significant strides in promoting youth entrepreneurship, recognizing its potential to create jobs, stimulate innovation and drive economic growth. The launch of the Rs 1 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is a commendable initiative, providing financial support and skill development guidance to young entrepreneurs. This program has the potential to unveil a new wave of innovation providing and enabling young minds to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

The Jawan Marakiz, a youth-focused initiative, provides a platform for young people to access resources, training and networking opportunities that enhances their expertise in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. These initiatives speak of the government’s commitment to empowering youth and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed.

Skill-Based Migration and Remittances

Many young individuals from KP are seeking skill-based opportunities abroad and their skills if utilized, can be a valuable asset and bring about a tremendous socio-economic development at home. The Remittances sent by these migrant workers play a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, with over $656 billion sent globally in 2023. The KP government can facilitate skill-based migration by providing training and certification programs, making it feasible for young people to access international job markets.

Skill-based migration can have a transformative impact on KP’s youth, enabling them to acquire new skills, gain expertise in their respective fields via international experience and contribute to Pakistan’s social and economic growth. The government can leverage this opportunity by providing vocational training, language courses and job placement services, ensuring that young people are equipped to compete in the global job market.

Social media: A boon or bane

Social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives, offering numerous benefits, including connectivity, education and self-expression. However, it also poses risks, such as propaganda, cyberbullying and online harassment.

Harnessing Social Media for Positive Change

To harness the benefits of social media, youth need to develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills. This includes verifying information, practicing digital citizenship and ensuring online safety.

Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting social and political awareness, enabling young people to raise consciousness regarding social issues, mobilize support and create positive change. By harnessing social media’s potential, KP’s youth can become agents of change, promoting tolerance, understanding and social cohesion.

Social Media Literacy: A Key to Empowerment

Social media literacy is of utmost importance for young people to navigate the digital landscape effectively. This includes:

• Verifying Information: Checking sources and fact-checking before sharing content.
• Digital Citizenship: Being respectful and responsible online.
• Online Safety: Protecting personal information and avoiding online threats.

By developing these skills, young people can explore onto social media’s potential, promoting positive change and avoiding its pitfalls. Also, government of KP has launched multiple platforms under the surveillance of federal government agencies to ensure to debar the spread of propagandas and anti-state elements.

Avoiding Propaganda: Promoting Critical Thinking

Young people can avoid propaganda by staying informed, accessing credible news sources and fact-checking information. Critical thinking is essential in analyzing information objectively, questioning sources and reporting suspicious content.

The KP government can play a significant role in promoting media literacy, providing young people with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. By empowering young people with critical thinking and digital literacy skills through academic curriculum or short courses, we can promote a culture of tolerance, understanding and social cohesion.

Conclusion

The youth of KP are a valuable asset, having the potential to drive Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. By promoting entrepreneurship opportunities, skill-based migration and social media, we can unlock their potential, promoting economic growth, social development and national advancement.

The KP government has taken significant strides in promoting youth empowerment and it is essential to build on this momentum. By providing young people with the necessary resources, training and support, we can create a brighter future for Pakistan, one that is driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and social change.