Struggles of the Middle-Class Pakistani Youth: Is There Hope?

Nowadays I am feeling so stressed about my dreams and career. I am just trying to express my feelings in this article and want to know what other says about it.

As a middle-class youth in Pakistan, I often find myself overwhelmed with stress and uncertainty about my future. Reflecting on my journey, it feels like I have made no significant progress towards achieving my dreams. This struggle isn't unique to me; it is a shared experience among many of my peers. The harsh reality is that the scope for youth to progress in Pakistan is incredibly limited, leaving many of us feeling trapped and hopeless.

The Youth's Dilemma

When I look around my society, I see countless young people facing the same challenges. Many of us dream of moving to a developed country where we believe opportunities are more abundant. However, for those who cannot afford to leave Pakistan, the situation seems even more dire. The question that haunts us is, "Is there any hope for those who are unable to move abroad?"

And the problem is not only limited to our careers. We also have other significant challenges. Many of us are physically weak and mentally stressed. Some youth blame their parents for ruining their lives, feeling that their parents have not done enough for them. On the other hand, there are those who are constantly pressured by their parents to find a job and start earning money. This relentless pressure creates a cycle of stress and anxiety.

In an attempt to escape these pressures, many young people waste their time in useless activities, believing they are enjoying themselves. However, these distractions are often a way to forget their problems, leading to addictions such as fake affairs and even drugs. Some waste their energy and time watching inappropriate content on the internet. If we think about it, the problem is created by both sides: the lack of support from the country, and the youth's own actions in ruining their lives.

The Reality of Education

The age group of 18 to 20, which should be the most vibrant and hopeful period of our lives, is instead filled with disillusionment. Many of us lose interest in our studies because we know that our degrees often hold little value in the job market. The degree we work so hard to obtain often feels like just a piece of paper that does not guarantee a successful career. We attend schools and universities with the bitter knowledge that even after graduating, job opportunities are scarce.

We go to colleges and universities and attend our classes with no interest because what we are getting here is just words. There is no practical education, and the quality of our curriculum is very low. It is unable to keep pace with emerging technology. We are so backward in technology. What we learn from our teachers is a huge hoard of words, and without any practice, it is impossible to retain that knowledge. We forget what we study within one or two months because we haven’t practiced it and don’t know how or where to use these formulas and techniques. Honestly, all these techniques that Pakistani middle-class students get in their affordable institutes are totally useless compared to modern technology. For example, the world is in the grip of AI technology, and we are still talking about outdated methodologies that do not prepare us for the future.

The Job Market and Beyond

The grim job market in Pakistan is a harsh reality that we cannot ignore. Even those who wish to venture into business or industry face insurmountable challenges. The lack of infrastructure, resources, and support makes it nearly impossible to start and sustain a successful business.

Moreover, the current economic climate in Pakistan is not conducive to job creation. With inflation on the rise and the economy struggling, businesses are hesitant to hire new graduates, further compounding the issue. The youth are left to fend for themselves in an increasingly competitive and unforgiving job market.

In the end, I would like to ask the readers of this blog: How can we help the youth of Pakistan succeed in reaching their goals? How can we work together to create a future where young people do not feel the need to leave their country to succeed? Your thoughts, suggestions, and support are crucial in helping us find a way forward.