The society at large is split between Z generation and the aging population . Pakistan is lucky to have a very sizable number of younger generations approximately 60 million. This large segment of younger generation suffers from a quantum of frustration along with depression. This psychological conflict is causing in the youth disappointed from the existing political dispensation and socio-economic disparity. The issue inflict among the youth can be categorised into three distinct dimensions , first, the social economic conditions, second the political uncertainty which is causing among the youth, not only disappointment , but anxiety. The statistics of the psychologist in Pakistan reveal even younger generation is suffering from anxiety and an aura of uncertainty. It is actually the core issue which is eating away the energy of the nation to drive forward. Secondly, Pakistan youth Is affected by postmodernism era. The fascination of the global village has broken down due to constant wars being waged in the 3rd quarter of the 20th century, and the first quarter of the present century. The youth is disappointed , and disillusioned due to transactional value changes between the two generations. The personality split between the classical and liberal , further impacted by Madrasas and the impact of the postmodernism. Rapid changes are occurring due to Internet, and social media is creating awareness where the youth now question the established norms. The changes are multi dimensional Impacting way of life, philosophy , Art and culture. Today’s youth is questioning even the universal truths.
There have been fundamental changes in the outlook of the youth due to USSR Afghan America wars , and consequently flood of refugees creating Sachio and economic issues infecting soul and body of Pakistan. Consequent to these wars , rise of Talban from Pakistani religious seminaries attracted the youth towards radicalization, drugs and crime . It has given birth to extremism leading to terrorism .
The issues are further complicated due to the quality of the education at the primary and secondary level. The students at primary level are burdened with unnecessary subjects whereas in the advanced countries there are no examinations up to class five . The stress is on character building and visual learning .Similarly in the secondary education due importance is not given to the subject of ‘ history’ of Muslim rule in India, as well as, science and technology. The result is as per the statistics the admission in the universities is declining. It is a phenomenon and needs to be examined at a national level. We must create three tears of skill develop for the students in pre primary regime, post matric and later at the university level. It is to filter right mind to right place , ( Japanese Education System ). It is irony Pakistan does not have any Technical University. There is a difference between the engineering university and the technical universities. The technical universities impart trainings in the specific fields of technology leading up to PHD. This is the core source man power supply emerges who is fully trained to take up in all the three triers, the workers , middle level and senior experienced engineers. Our industry is not contributing towards on job training after achievement of the diploma and the degrees with the result the youth does not find proper employment or cannot do or start his own business. For startups it is important that the degree is backed by relevant experience is gained after the diploma /degree. In the present scenario the role of Internet has become extremely important especially with the introduction of AI.
Third , the impact of radicalisation emerged after the Russo Afghan war and influx of millions of refugees from Afghanistan. Afghan refugees brought with them their diverse culture , narrow view of the religion impacted by the Pashtun and other diverse Riwayat . The practice mix of these two , Riwayat and religion cast a shadow on religious classes and Madrasah in Pakistan. The recruitment of the youth to fight war against USSR as ” Jahad” sprung up thousands of Madrasas turning out youth totally brain washed. Poverty and lack of education ensured regular supply of manpower. It is unfortunate on all these three fronts we have been sinking due to the political polarisation not allowing the balanced growth of our youth. Over and above, we destroyed our government school systems paving the way for British/ American oriented studies in Private schools teaching liberalism and modernism . This dilemma creates conflict and stresses among the youth , between the liberalism and the classical religious teaching being imparted in hundred and thousands of schools and Madrasas. Efforts have not been successful to cojoin harmonised education system due to political connotations in our parties of Right , use this youth force for their political objectives. It impacted the growth of Pakistan youth to face the modern challenges of the world , already split between liberalism and fundamentalism.
The advent of Internet and social media has compressed the world in the palm of even a toddler. The youth today is fully aware of the events occurring within and outside Pakistan. This important factor is ignored both by our educationists and the politicians. We expect from the youth obedience per se in last century whereas the world has moved fast towards a new social order and economic dispensation. Internet and social media have opened a new vista for the young man to explore. The question is do our education system cater for that need of the young man. The answer is NO; we must address this anomaly in our education system to ensure youth to take charge of the country in the coming decades . Unfortunately, there is no harmony in our education systems both what is being taught in Madrassas and in the government school system . The void is being filled by the private schools who base their education syllabus on a mix of Government and British / American systems. The result , there is total confusion in the society , no harmony and no relevance to our historical, political and social needs.
Artificial intelligence induction created new challenges and opportunities for the youth . The two-tier education system is producing two distinct classes. What is the way out? The answer lies in the harmonised education system at the national level at the same time ensuring that regional languages are given protection . Some of our provincial leadership keep on hopping on regional languages without realising that in a global context , as the world is today , one has to have a language proficiency which is relevant in the international business and economic threshold. Countries like China , Korea , Japan, Russia and many other countries Import education in Specific Languages, but learning of English at certain level is essential to compete at international level. Therefore, Pakistan must ensure and upgrade government schools to the level there these are equally good to produce young men and women to enter in the working classes. Pakistan must revive HISTORY as a subject to ensure that younger lot is fully aware of our past successes and turbulations . The present curriculum of Pakistan study is taking them away from the reality of the past. Private schools’ colleges must be harmonised in a common national level policy and should be common which is being taught at government schools except few subjects which are necessary for the A and O examinations. number of Technical Universities be established to impart high quality technical education . To conclude it is stressed that younger generation is a strategic asset of Pakistan. It is a great strength which must be harmonized.
