PAKISTAN is currently home to one of the largest youth populations in the world, but this huge youth bulge is increasingly characterised by a sense ofprofound alienation. While political rhetoric often labels the youth as the nation`s backbone, the ground reality is a systemic exclusion from decision-making processes. When a generation representing over 60 per cent of the population feels its voice stifled by dynastic politics and geriatric leadership, the vacuum is filled by frustration and hopelessness.

This alienation leaves youth vulnerable to extremist narratives that offer a false sense of belonging or purpose. Further, the lack of meritocracy and economic stability has triggered a record-breaking brain drain. We are essentially exporting our future potential.

To bridge this gap, the state must move beyond symbolic gestures. Actionable measures are required, such as restoration offunctionalstudentunionsto serve as politicalnurseries,introduction of a mandatory 25pc youth quota in local and provincial government posts, and the establishment of district-level innovation hubs to support self-employment. We must integrate youth into the national security and economic discourse now, or risk turning our greatest asset into a significant liability.

Wajahat Abbas Islamabad