IT is common, and unfortunate, to see people of a certain bent of mind and political following being vocal against state institutions and calling anyone with a difference of opinion traitors. It takes a unique set of beliefs to be able to violate the Constitution and wrap it all up in a narrative laced with patriotism. The more worrisome part is that the majority of the followers consciously affirm the leader`s undemocratic, authoritarian actions. This show how tainted reason has become and twisted the thought processofouryoungwhohave been swept away by the wave of populism.
There are three origins that we must trace in order to identify and understand why our youth is buying the politics of populism that is largely centred on hate speech and rhetoric. Majority of those under discussion were born and brought under a dictatorial regime which by the virtue of its form of governance had concentration of power in the hands of one man with no tolerance for political pluralism.
As such, they have had little to no exposure to the political process and how generations have fought for the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.
To be fair, the youth is largely fed up with our mainstream leaders and disheartened at being sidelined under the politics ofpower. This is what facilitates access of a populist leader to the young impressionable minds.
Lastly, we should acknowledge that a good portion of our middle-class youth is more inclined towards being apolitical.
However, those who actively seek participation in political discourse are disoriented and often prove to be counterproductive.
The state as well as the leading political parties have together failed to engage our youth in healthy political participation.
