ISLAMABAD, Nov 20: A vast majority of younths (aver 70 per cent) is indifferent to politics but an overwhelming majority (nearly 84 per cent) thinks that their increased participation could bring positive changes to the country’s political environment, said a study conducted by a non-government organisation.
According to the Centre of Civic Education (CCE) survey the feeling of non-engagement towards politics was highest in the NWFP — almost 80 per cent. This was followed by Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. The result was consistent between male and female respondents.
The survey, which was funded by National Democratic Institute Pakistan, was based on a set of questions used to capture major aspects of youth political behaviour. Other than gaining information about their general attitudes, behaviour, knowledge and interest levels, the questionnaire was also meant to seek suggestions from the respondents to explore ways and means to increase youth participation in the country’s democratic processes.
There was a negligible difference of opinion between urban and rural youth. The survey confirmed apolitical posture of nearly 50 per cent uneducated youth.
Problems in political structures and the persistent instability of the democratic system, disenchantment with the history of politicians and disrespect of the youth’s ideas were some of the major reasons for apathy among the young population. A significant number thought that politics was either a useless activity or a thankless job, adding that the ban on student unions was another hurdle. About 50 per cent of the respondents wanted the ban on student unions to be removed, 43 per cent said the ban should remain and seven per cent did not reply.
When asked if the younger generation of Pakistan could play a role in the present political system, over 80 per cent said ‘yes’.
The highest number of affirmative responses came from Islamabad. About 85 per cent of the respondents knew more than one political party and 15 per cent could not name any party.
Less than half of the respondents knew that the last general elections were held in October 2002. Some 30 percent did not answer the query and 20 per cent gave 1970 to 2007 as the year of last general elections.
Some 50 per cent said they knew the present constitution was framed in April 1973 and came into force on August 14 of the same year while 43 per cent had no clue. Most of the respondents from NWFP (62 per cent) knew the answer while the lowest number of affirmative answers was from Sindh.
According to the CCE, the primary weakness of the political system in Pakistan was the absence of youth in the country’s politics. Focused and well-defined policies were required to woo the youth back into mainstream political process. Only a sense of real participation in the system and a clear purpose of the participation could restore the young public’s confidence in politics and keep them away from their present state of political alienation.
