Youth have always been at the heart of political transformation in Pakistan. With nearly two-thirds of the population under the age of thirty, Pakistan is one of the youngest nations in the world. This demographic reality makes the role of youth in politics not just important, but inevitable. From the political awakening of students in the early decades after independence to the digital activism of today, the journey of Pakistan’s youth reflects both historical depth and present-day complexity.
Historically, young people have played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s political identity. During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, university campuses in Lahore, Karachi, and Dhaka were vibrant centers of debate, protest, and ideological exchange. The student wings of political and religious parties-such as the National Students Federation (NSF) and Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT)-produced many of the country’s future leaders. Their activism was driven by idealism, a belief in social justice, and a deep desire to contribute to the nation’s future. In those decades, political mobilization among youth was an instrument of genuine democratic participation.
However, this democratic spirit began to decline in the late 1970s and 1980s, when student unions were banned during the era of General Zia-ul-Haq. The suppression of campus politics weakened political education and civic engagement among young citizens. What was once a nursery for leadership and dialogue gradually became a space of silence or, at times, ideological polarization. The loss of organized student politics left a vacuum that Pakistan still feels today – a generation of young people disconnected from structured, democratic participation.
In the modern era, the dynamics of youth mobilization have dramatically changed. The rise of social media has given young Pakistanis new tools to express opinions, mobilize support, and engage in public debates. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have become powerful spaces for awareness and activism. Young people now shape narratives, question authority, and raise issues ranging from climate change and education reform to political accountability. This digital revolution has redefined what it means to participate in politics – turning smartphones into instruments of empowerment.
Yet, the digital sphere has its limits. Many young Pakistanis remain politically expressive online but inactive offline. Social media debates often lack structure, direction, and continuity. Moreover, economic challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and inequality leave many youth disillusioned with formal politics. The distance between political awareness and real-world participation is one of the biggest challenges facing Pakistan’s democracy today.
Another major issue is the continued absence of student unions in most universities. Without them, campuses lack platforms for dialogue, debate, and leadership training. Reviving student unions in a disciplined, democratic manner could help nurture future leaders who understand negotiation, compromise, and civic responsibility. Instead of viewing youth activism as a threat, policymakers should see it as a pathway toward stability and inclusion.
It is also essential to recognize that youth mobilization in Pakistan is not a uniform phenomenon. The experiences of a student in urban Islamabad are vastly different from those of a young person in rural Sindh, Balochistan, or southern Punjab. Access to education, internet connectivity, and social exposure shape the political consciousness of each group differently. Any effort to engage youth politically must therefore address these regional and class-based disparities.
As a student of Pakistan Studies, I view this subject through a broader historical and geographical lens. The story of youth participation in politics cannot be separated from Pakistan’s social evolution and political geography. Each generation of young Pakistanis has inherited unique challenges – from military interventions to constitutional crises – yet the desire to bring change has remained constant. The youth of today are more connected, more informed, and more ambitious than ever before. What they need is direction, mentorship, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The way forward lies in empowering young people through education, civic awareness, and inclusion in decision-making. Political parties should go beyond slogans and create real opportunities for youth leadership. Schools and universities should integrate civic education into their curricula. Civil society and media must highlight stories of positive youth participation rather than only focusing on confrontation and conflict.
In conclusion, the energy of Pakistan’s youth is its greatest national resource. Harnessing that energy requires not suppression, but guidance – not exclusion, but empowerment. From the historical student movements of the 1960s to the digital activism of today, the lesson is clear: when young people participate, nations progress. The future of Pakistan’s democracy depends on how well we nurture, educate, and involve our youth – not as spectators, but as partners in shaping a more just and prosperous society.
