Pakistan’s Social Media Story: Turning posts into progress
SALMAN AHMAD

In the current tech-driven world, social media has become a powerful tool that influences millions of lives daily–– both positively and adversely. For Pakistan, especially for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, social media offers many opportunities, but, unfortunately, instead of harnessing these opportunities, most of our youth are using it to spread hatred, misinformation, and destructive ideologies.
Social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok provide access to global knowledge, online courses, and research materials, enabling students and entrepreneurs to learn new skills and explore economic opportunities such as freelancing and e-commerce.
However, despite the life-changing opportunities, social media is being used to spread hate speech, misinformation, and extremist content, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Cyberbullying, harassment, and online propaganda not only disturb social harmony but also pose threats to national security. To combat this, a strict regulatory framework consisting of stronger cyber laws, digital literacy programs, and ethical content creation initiatives is the need of the hour.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa youth can harness digital platforms for positive change by engaging in online education, freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, and civic activism.
Social Media as a Catalyst for Change: One of the biggest advantages of social media is its role in education and research. Online courses, academic discussions, and digital libraries have made knowledge more accessible than ever before. Students and researchers can connect with experts worldwide, exchange ideas, and access the latest developments in science and technology. Platforms like YouTube and Coursera offer free and paid courses that can enhance skills and open new career paths.
Social media has also revolutionized economic opportunities. Young entrepreneurs are using Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, and LinkedIn to promote their businesses. Digital marketing, freelancing, and e-commerce have opened new income streams, allowing the youth to earn without leaving their hometowns. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, can leverage social media to market local products globally.
The Dark Side: Hate Speech and Misinformation: Pakistan has witnessed an increase in online propaganda, fake news, and extremist narratives that threaten social harmony and national security. Malicious actors exploit digital platforms to manipulate public opinion, create unrest, and target vulnerable individuals.
The problem is particularly severe in conflict-prone regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where misinformation can fuel violence and deepen divisions. Cyberbullying, harassment, and extremist recruitment are also on the rise. If left unchecked, these dangers can destabilize communities and hinder progress.
Tightening the Noose on Negative Elements: Pakistan needs a robust framework to monitor and regulate social media usage to ensure a positive digital space. The government, social media companies, and civil society must collaborate to enforce strict regulations against online hate speech, harassment, and fake news while ensuring these laws are not misused to suppress legitimate voices. Promoting digital literacy is essential, with schools and universities incorporating media literacy programs to help the youth identify fake news, verify sources, and use social media responsibly. Ethical content creation should be encouraged, urging influencers to foster constructive narratives, national unity, and social harmony, while platforms reward positive engagement and penalize harmful content.
Empowering the youth for economic growth is equally crucial, with government and private sector initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs in leveraging social media for business and freelancing through digital marketing and e-commerce training programs. Additionally, authorities must enhance social media monitoring to detect and counteract online extremism and misinformation, ensuring a transparent system is in place to prevent the misuse of monitoring powers.
Utilizing the Internet for Positive Change and Economic Growth: The youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have great potential to leverage the internet and social media platforms to bring positive societal change while securing a sustainable livelihood. Digital Education and Skill Development: Enrolling in online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube can help young people acquire high-demand skills such as graphic design, programming, content writing, and digital marketing. Participating in webinars and online workshops further enhances their knowledge, keeping them updated on industry trends and best practices.
Freelancing and Remote Work: Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer offer opportunities to work as independent professionals in fields such as writing, web development, translation, and social media management. Additionally, learning English and improving communication skills can open doors to global work opportunities, allowing youth to compete in the international job market.
E-commerce and Online Businesses: Starting anonline store on platforms like Daraz, Shopify, and Facebook Marketplace enables young entrepreneurs to sell handmade crafts, clothing, or local products. They can also explore drop-shipping and affiliate marketing as cost-effective ways to enter the e-commerce industry without significant upfront investment.
Influencer Marketing and Content Creation: Creating engaging and positive content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can help spread awareness about social issues while generating income through sponsorships and ad revenue. Niche content, such as educational videos, tech reviews, and cultural storytelling, can attract a global audience and establish a sustainable digital career.
Young Pakistanis must take ownership of their digital footprint. They must reject content that promotes hate and violence and instead use their online presence to educate, inspire, and empower others. Every post, share, and comment should contribute to progress, not division.
By leveraging social media for education, research, and economic opportunities, Pakistan can transform its digital story from chaos to progress. A strict watch on its misuse and a commitment to positive engagement will ensure that social media becomes a tool for national development rather than destruction.
The choice is in our hands. Will we use social media to build or to break? The future of Pakistan’s digital landscape depends on the responsibility and wisdom of its youth.