The success of every country depends on its youth. Young people are key to a nation’s progress, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation. When nurtured properly, they become the driving force behind social, economic, and cultural development. Countries that invest in their youth—through education, skills development, and opportunities—often achieve long-term stability and growth. Conversely, neglecting or misguiding the youth can lead to stagnation and chaos.
In Pakistan, a country where 64% of the population consists of young people, the potential is immense. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to resource constraints and, more alarmingly, political manipulation that steers young minds away from constructive paths.
Pakistan’s youth population presents a unique opportunity for the country to grow and prosper. Unfortunately, compared to other countries, Pakistan lags far behind in providing resources and opportunities in fields like research, information technology, and medicine. While young people in different countries are busy building careers and contributing to their societies, many Pakistani youth are caught in the web of political agendas. Instead of fostering their development, political parties exploit their energy and enthusiasm for their own political and personal purposes. This not only wastes their potential but also harms the fabric of society.
Over the past decade, Pakistan’s political landscape has increasingly involved young people, not in moral or ethical politics, but in dirty and divisive tactics. That is the dark side of political manipulation. Political parties across the spectrum have realized the power of youth as a mobilizing force, and they use this to their advantage. However, this involvement has come at a cost—the erosion of moral values, patience, and tolerance among the younger generation.
Political parties have encouraged blame games and abusive cultures among young supporters. Social media platforms, which could have been a space for productive discussions, have become battlegrounds for political propaganda and mudslinging. This toxic environment has eliminated the spirit of humanity, morality, and cultural respect that once defined the youth of Pakistan.
Analyzing the political scenarios of the past 10 years reveals a disturbing trend that was the start of decay and manipulation. Every major political party in Pakistan has sought to weaponize young minds for their own agendas. Instead of guiding the youth towards nation-building, they have dragged them into divisive and destructive politics. The result? a generation that is increasingly intolerant and disconnected from moral values.
One notable example is 9th May 2023, when a political party mobilized young supporters for its agenda. This reckless act not only disrupted societal peace but also led to severe consequences for many of these young individuals, who faced legal punishments. The incident highlights how easily political parties can exploit the passion and energy of youth without considering the long-term damage to their futures.
In addition to direct political manipulation, Pakistani youth are also exploited through linguism and sectarianism. Movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee use ethnic and regional sentiments to recruit young people to their causes. These organizations often portray themselves as champions of rights but end up dragging students and young minds into negative politics. This not only hampers their academic and professional growth but also deepens societal divides. Such exploitation only serves to fragment the nation further, pitting one group against another instead of uniting them for collective progress.
So, what will be The Consequences of Political Manipulation? The manipulation of young minds by political parties has far-reaching consequences.
- Loss of Moral Values: The culture of abuse and blame has eroded the moral foundations of the youth. Respect for differing opinions and civil discourse has been replaced with hostility and aggression.
- Lack of Career Development: Instead of focusing on education and skills, many young people waste their potential engaging in political battles that offer no tangible benefits.
- Intolerance and Division: The rise of intolerance among the youth has led to a polarized society, here individuals are unable towork together for the greater good.
- Cultural Erosion: Political manipulation has sidelined the rich cultural and historical values of Pakistan, replacing them with a toxic, divisive mentality.
If Pakistan’s political parties are genuinely interested in promoting youth culture and development, they must take concrete steps to uplift and empower young people. Here are some suggestions:
- Establish Research Centers: Political leaders should prioritize setting up research centers and institutes for the youth. These centers could focus on advancements in IT, medicine, and other critical fields, ensuring that young people have opportunities to excel.
- Include Youth in Decision-Making: Providing young people with roles in cabinets and research institutions can give them a sense of responsibility and a platform to contribute positively to the country.
- Promote Unity and Harmony: Political parties must work to bridge the divides caused by linguism and sectarianism. Encouraging cultural exchange programs and fostering religious harmony can help unite the youth.
- Focus on Character Building: Alongside academic education, there should be a strong emphasis on character-building programs. Workshops on patience, tolerance, and moral values can help restore the lost ethics among the youth.
- Leverage social media for Positivity: Instead of using social media to spread hate and propaganda, political parties can utilize these platforms to promote educational campaigns, job opportunities, and awareness about national issues.
Pakistan’s youth are its most valuable asset. However, the current trend of political manipulation is sacrificing their future for short-term gains. If political parties genuinely care about the country’s progress, they must stop exploiting young minds and start investing in their development. By promoting education, unity, and moral values. Pakistan can transform its youth into a force for positive change, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation.
Written By: Noor E Hira
