Generation Z (Gen Z) is typically defined as individuals between the ages of 14 and 29. In Pakistan, this group represents approximately 30.3% to 30.5% of the total population-roughly 71 to 76 million people out of a total population of 256 million.
Indeed, Pakistan has a massive youth bulge, with almost 63% to 67% of the entire population under the age of 30. This makes Pakistan one of the youngest nations in the world.
These young people are our precious assets, our greatest hope, and Pakistan’s future. A heavy responsibility sits on their shoulders. Yet, many-if not most-seem distracted, anxious, and stuck in place. It is not that they do not care or lack the desire to achieve; unfortunately, the current environment and times are simply not in their favor.
Several critical challenges contribute to this state of mind:
1. Unprecedented Uncertainty:
The youth face immense economic pressure, driven by high inflation and a severe scarcity of jobs. Fresh graduates find themselves with no viable employment opportunities, naturally forcing them to look for options in foreign lands. However, that path is far from easy, as global job markets are currently exhausted and saturated.
This harsh reality leaves our youth feeling unstable and deeply depressed, wondering how they can survive in the face of double-digit inflation. Many try to secure immigration visas, only to meet with no luck. Combined with constant power outages and gas load-shedding, these pressures push them to focus on leaving the country. With an unclear future, some inevitably begin searching for shortsighted shortcuts just to survive.
2. The Digital Upbringing:
This is the first generation to grow up entirely in a digital world, raised on screens, social media, Reels, Tik Tok and instant connection. While this connects them globally, it also exposes them to constant comparison and digital fatigue, often pulling them away from real-world focus. This is not laziness, but the way their attention muscles are being trained.
3. Career path:
Previous generations used to have limited career paths, now Gen Z have 200 and more, like AI, YouTuber, Startups and many more.
With so many choices in hand and when mentorship totally absent, they are confuse with the choices.
4. Today, at present market demand skills AI tools, Communication, design, coding, problem solving but classrooms focus is still on mechanical learning and exams.
5. Social media awareness is at the highest level of all times. There they watch Dubai, Silicon Valley and see students succeed even at the age of 19 years
6. This is where parents and teachers must step in to help by rebuilding their confidence and guiding them toward meaningful paths.
A Call to Action
Alongside the efforts of families and educators, the government must step up. We need improved governance in every sector. Justice must mean real justice, delivered without delay-for as the saying goes, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Inflation must be brought down, and the rising crime rate, especially at its peak in Karachi, must be brought under control. As if power outages were not enough, the current gas load-shedding has added a new layer of misery. These are incredibly frustrating failures of authority, and they must be resolved by the state as a matter of urgency.
The stark truth is this: the world gave this generation the Internet before it gave them stability. Now, our most serious duty is to provide them with clear direction, valuable skills, and the confidence to believe that their efforts here at home will matter, be recognized, and bear fruit.
