Pakistan — what comes to your mind when you hear this word? ‘My motherland, a beautiful place, a home to nearly 23 million people,’ or … something else?

Now also try to imagine what comes in the mind of a foreign analyst when he thinks about Pakistan. We all know it. It is the reality. A foreign analyst might see Pakistan as a poor country, backward in fields of science, health and education, flooded by illiteracy and extremism, having rampant crime, favouritism and corruption.

This is the cruel fact, but we should embrace this reality because yes, all these ills and backwardness is present in our society. And most of the time we close our eyes to it.

My dear readers, we are living in the 21st century. Things are changing every day. The dominance of superpowers is changing. Alliances are changing. In today’s era, Pakistan is facing serious problems in international, economic, political, social and religious affairs. There is no point in satisfying ourselves by saying that Pakistan is a rapidly developing and economically improving country.

We all know where Pakistan stands! Look at other countries in the region, or those who got independence around the time we did. Most of them are stable and strong, and have maintained their position in international affairs.

On the other hand, Pakistan has neglected and ignored both internal growth and development and has been unable to take a strong stance in international affairs. See the Kashmir issue, the Indus Water Treaty, or the Baglihar Dam controversy. Why are international decisions always against Pakistan?

In my opinion, the 21st century is the century of monetary supremacy. If a country is economically stronger, it doesn’t need other countries’ aid and it can in turn help others in their development. This portrays a positive image of the country internationally.

Sadly, Pakistan is not economically powerful. Every now and then, millions of dollars are loaned by other countries and international financial bodies to address Pakistan’s economic needs. The burden of these loans and their interests is crushing our economy. Consequently, we are looked down upon internationally, especially those countries we seek these loans from.

Pakistan is no longer the free country it was in the 20th century. We are dictated by the creditors who give us loans. The culture, the traditions, the laws, the fiscal policy and the priorities of Pakistanis are slowly being controlled and influenced by other countries.

In other words, Pakistan is being conquered by international powers, all due to our weaknesses and lack of effort. Pakistan is in a dire situation, yet we refuse to accept it. It is like we have closed our eyes so that we don’t see the reality.

The only hope of resurrection lies in us, the youth of Pakistan. We are the future of Pakistan. It is only us who can make Pakistan a developed country, if not a world leader, by 2050. We need to broaden our vision. We need to rise above the urge to fulfil personal interests, and start to serve our country. We need to work hard.

Many readers might be confused that how can we, as children, change the fate of our country. We need to study hard and become skilled engineers, doctors, IT professionals, businessmen, scientists etc. Look at the neighbouring countries, their software professionals have made their mark in the international software market. For instance, India’s exports of software services (excluding exports through commercial presence) are estimated at US$ 133.7 billion during 2020-21! Look at how much relief it provides to its economy.

As children, we need to broaden our vision. We need to ignore the distractions in our school life and study hard. Leave aside social media, fashion and drugs. Believe me; they will divert you from your objective. Streamline your thinking. Have an objective in mind and work hard to fulfil it. Increase your mental calibre so that we can compete with students of other countries. Employ your extra time in boosting your general knowledge and soft skills, rather than spending useless time on the social media and YouTube. Make yourself skilled in your field to boost Pakistan’s image.

My dear readers, I am also like all of you. I am sixteen-year old and doing my O Level. I know that many activities are too attractive to leave but, in the long run, they just a waste of precious time. I study hard to become skilled in the field of medicine. We should all make it our target from today that we will be a reason for improvement and progress in our country rather than bring it disrespect in any way.

Let us unite, ignore our differences, see each other as brothers, and play our part to make Pakistan politically, economically and socially, stable and developed.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 2nd, 2022