IN our dominant political context, `youth` is nothing more than a word that is used by politicians during election campaigns to garner votes. Beyond that, it means absolutely nothing to anyone in any position of authority.

No politician after having been elected to power has ever come up with a plan or scheme to benefit the youth. The segment comprises 64 per cent of the population.

Aged below 30, the neglected segment has a lot of energy and potential, but no one isinterestedin using this potentialfor the benefit of the country. It is all about votes, and nothing beyond that.

Surprisingly, the country`s youth has never received due attention from the governments, and this is the very reason why so many young people today want toleave the countryin searchofbetter opportunities abroad.

With the country heading towards another election, all politicians can be heard talking about harnessing the youth`s potential. Yet, no one has ever bothered to tell us how they are going to go about doing this. Nothing seems to have change d, unfortunately.

Recently, the World Bank invited some young minds to share their views about how to target a brighter and prosperous Pakistan. Quite a few young people at the forum identified the problems hinderingthe progress,andtalked about what needs to be done to resolve such issues. Their thoughts may be raw, but their ideas and plans were much better than is the case with our politicians.

Our policymakers must take some effective stepsfor the country`s youth so that they may participate and contribute to national development rather than leavingforgreenerpastures abroad.

Zain Ul Abideen Chaudhary Multan