SWABI: Speakers in a function held here the other day urged the government to adopt a “result-oriented and merit-based” policy to employ educated youth and prevent brain drain.
During the event titled “Future of Our Youth and Government Responsibility” at Swabi Press Club, the speakers said youth made up majority of the province’s population but unfortunately, the government didn’t formulate a “true” youth policy to address issues of youngsters, especially educated ones. He called for effective corrective measures without delay.
Prof Bakhtiar, a retired principal, said if the government was serious about youth’s development, then it should create employment opportunities at both national and international levels for them and adopt a mechanism to impart technical skills to them.
“Employment should be based on merit, allowing youth to compete with each other for jobs by exhibiting their talents and capabilities,” he said.
Speakers in function highlight govt’s responsibilities for youth’s development
Expert Prof Mohammad Uzair Ali said educated youth were the country’s true ambassadors and future rulers, so they should be equipped with modern skills to contribute to national progress and prosperity.
“Germany faced ignominious defeat in both World Wars, while atom bombs destroyed Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki cities, but both badly defeated nations gave a hope to youth who restlessly worked and delivered the goods. We should learn from them for own development,” he said.
Javed Inqilabi, divisional general secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party, said Pakistan’s economic growth was linked with youth’s empowerment, so authorities should work for it.
He also said political parties should avoid using young generation for serving their ends.
The participants adopted resolutions, saying talented youth should be assisted, encouraged and helped to shape their future and work for the motherland through capabilities and skills.
They said youth needed a hope that they have a bright future in the country.
The participants also demanded of the government to devise a plan to create a talented pool of young professionals in different fields and provide them with opportunities to display their talents and skills in public and private sectors under a strong commitment to working for the country.
They added that the strategy would help shape Pakistan’s future.
The participants emphasised that there shouldn’t be any political meddling in the affairs of any institutions and any such bids should be resisted forcefully.
They said only through such measures, Pakistan could achieve development and prosperity.
Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025