Having spent the last 22 years working with children and young people across Pakistan, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible potential that exists within our youth. Whether in a rural village, an urban slum, a university classroom, or at community, I have met young people full of ideas, energy, and determination to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Yet I have also seen many of them struggle against barriers that they did not create, poverty, limited opportunities, unemployment, and an education system that often leaves them unprepared for the realities of the workplace.
Pakistan’s youth population is often described as a demographic dividend. I prefer to call it a national trust. The future of our country will largely depend on how we invest in this generation today. If empowered, our young people can become entrepreneurs, innovators, teachers, social workers, and leaders who drive Pakistan forward. If neglected, their frustration and untapped potential may become one of our greatest challenges.
Throughout my career, one concern has remained constant: the growing gap between education and employability. Many young graduates proudly hold degrees, yet struggle to find meaningful employment. I have met countless young people who spent years pursuing academic qualifications only to discover that employers were looking for something more like communication skills, critical thinking, digital literacy, confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. While degrees remain important, they are no longer enough on their own.
The world of work has changed dramatically. Today, success depends not only on what we know, but on how effectively we apply what we know. Skills have become the currency of opportunity. Technical skills open doors, but soft skills sustain careers. Young people who can adapt, learn continuously, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively are more likely to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
One lesson I have learned from working with youth is that learning does not end with formal education. Some of the most successful young people I have worked with developed their confidence and leadership through volunteering, community engagement, internships, mentorship, and practical experiences. These opportunities helped them discover their strengths and prepared them for challenges that no textbook could teach.
This is why I deeply value the role of organizations such as Islamic Relief Pakistan in youth empowerment. Through leadership development, vocational training, mentorship initiatives, and livelihood programmes, we strive to equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful futures. Beyond employability, our goal is to nurture responsible citizens, compassionate leaders, and agents of positive change within their communities.
As I reflect on more than two decades of youth development work, I remain optimistic. Every time a young person gains a skill, secures employment, starts a business, or uses their voice to address a community issue, I am reminded that Pakistan’s greatest resource is not hidden beneath the ground, it is walking among us every day.
The question is not whether Pakistan’s youth can build a brighter future. They can. The real question is whether we, as a society, will provide them with the opportunities, skills, and support they need to do so. Our answer to that question will shape the future of Pakistan for generations to come.
By Afshan Jamal, Youth Development Specialist