Youth Empowerment in Pakistan

 By Granaz Assa Every student dreams of getting an opportunity to show their talent and prove their abilities. Schools and educational institutions regularly organize speech, debate, and other competitions to encourage students to discover their potential and build their confidence. These events are meant to inspire students and help them grow. However, there is an issue that is rarely discussed: the disappointment and loss of hope that many students experience after being rejected without being given a fair chance. Many students spend days or even weeks preparing for these competitions. They write and revise their speeches, practice repeatedly, and overcome their fear of speaking in front of an audience. They invest their time, energy, and emotions because they believe that their hard work will be recognized. Unfortunately, some students are rejected within just a few moments, sometimes before they even get the opportunity to present their speech. Such rejection can be deeply discouraging. While rejection is a natural part of life and no one can succeed every time, every student deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. If a student’s speech is weak, if their confidence is low, or if they need to improve their presentation skills, they should be informed of their mistakes with kindness and honesty. Constructive feedback helps students understand where they need improvement and motivates them to work harder. A student who knows their weaknesses can overcome them and return stronger in the future. On the other hand, rejecting students without any explanation or guidance only leaves them confused, disappointed, and hopeless. Instead of learning from the experience, they may begin to doubt their abilities. Such experiences can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence. Many talented students stop participating in competitions because they fear facing rejection again. They begin to believe that their efforts have no value and that their voices do not matter. As a result, they lose the confidence to express themselves and miss opportunities to develop important communication and leadership skills. Educational institutions should remember that competitions are not only about selecting winners. They are also about encouraging learning, building confidence, recognizing potential, and helping every student grow, regardless of the final result. I have personally experienced this feeling. After being rejected without a chance to present my speech, I felt extremely hopeless and disappointed. I questioned whether all my hard work had been meaningless. However, I later realized that every student deserves encouragement, even if they are not selected. A few words of guidance and constructive feedback can restore confidence and inspire students to keep trying. By giving every participant a fair chance and treating them with respect, educational institutions can help students remain hopeful, determined, and ready to achieve greater success in the future.

By Zoya Khan Naseer Ahmed I am writing to bring your attention to a pressing issue at Government Girls High School in Balicha, which is currently facing a severe shortage of qualified teachers. Many teachers from Balicha choose to relocate and teach in cities so that their own children can receive a better education, leaving our local school understaffed. Not every family has the financial means to relocate or send their children to cities for schooling; most of the local population depends entirely on this government institution. When asked why proper instruction is lacking, some educators explain that staying in Balicha compromises their own children’s academic futures due to limited facilities. However, every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. At present, students are deprived of proper instruction in core subjects. While Urdu, Islamiat, and Arabic are taught regularly in some classes, essential subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Geography are frequently neglected due to the absence of specialized teachers. This deficit is particularly critical for students in Grades 9 and 10, where key scientific disciplines—including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—are not taught properly. Without adequate instruction in these foundational subjects, students are unable to prepare effectively for their board examinations or pursue higher education successfully. Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn. I urge the relevant authorities to appoint qualified teachers to Government Girls High School, Balicha, ensuring that students can receive a complete education and build a better future.

By Asma Qayyum Brain drain refers to the migration of highly educated and skilled professionals to other countries in search of better employment opportunities, higher salaries, quality education, advanced research facilities, and improved living conditions. This phenomenon has become one of Pakistan’s most serious development challenges, affecting the country’s economic growth and human capital. According to the World Bank, Pakistan is among the countries experiencing a significant outflow of skilled workers. Furthermore, official data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) show that hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis leave the country each year for overseas employment, including a large number of educated professionals. This growing migration places additional pressure on vital sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, and information technology. Several factors contribute to brain drain, including unemployment, low salaries, limited research opportunities, political instability, economic uncertainty, and poor working conditions. As a result, many talented individuals believe they can achieve greater professional success and a better quality of life abroad. The consequences of brain drain are far-reaching. Pakistan loses experienced doctors, engineers, teachers, researchers, scientists, and IT specialists whose knowledge and expertise are essential for national development. The departure of these professionals weakens public services, reduces innovation, and slows economic progress. According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, 762,499 Pakistanis officially left the country for overseas employment in 2025. Since 1971, more than 15 million Pakistanis have been registered for overseas employment through the bureau. These figures highlight the scale of the issue and the urgent need for effective policy measures. To reduce brain drain, the government should create more employment opportunities, improve salaries and working conditions, invest in research, innovation, and higher education, and provide incentives that encourage skilled professionals to remain in or return to Pakistan. A stable economy, merit-based opportunities, and professional growth are essential to retaining the country’s talented workforce. Pakistan’s greatest asset is its people. By investing in its skilled professionals and creating an environment where they can thrive, the country can transform brain drain into brain gain and build a stronger, more prosperous future.

By Muhammad Naseer Virat Kohli’s possible presence in the 2027 ODI World Cup has already created excitement among cricket fans. After years of remarkable performances, Kohli has become one of the most respected ODI batters of his generation. He has openly reaffirmed his commitment to playing in the 2027 World Cup, giving fans hope that they may see him represent India in another major tournament. The 2027 World Cup will be especially important because it could be one of the final major international tournaments of his career. Kohli has already experienced the pressure and excitement of World Cups on several occasions. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team and later became one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. His extraordinary ability to chase difficult targets has made him particularly valuable in ODI cricket. His experience could also provide important guidance to younger players entering their first World Cup. However, reaching 2027 will require maintaining fitness, form, and consistency over the coming years. Cricket is an unpredictable sport, and no player can guarantee what the future will bring. Nevertheless, Kohli’s determination suggests that he still has ambitions left to fulfil in the 50-over format. For millions of supporters, watching him in another World Cup would be an emotional experience. His presence could also add enormous attention to the tournament. More importantly, the younger generation could learn from his preparation, discipline, and approach to the game. Kohli has already achieved numerous individual milestones, but another World Cup triumph would add another memorable chapter to his career. India will have many talented players by 2027, so the final team selection will depend on form and fitness at that time. If Kohli remains at his best, his experience could be extremely valuable in a high-pressure tournament. The 2027 World Cup may therefore become not only a competition for India but also another stage in the remarkable story of one of cricket’s modern greats. Fans will undoubtedly hope to see his familiar number on the Indian jersey when the tournament begins. Whether he produces another unforgettable innings or simply guides younger teammates, his contribution could be significant. For now, the possibility of Virat Kohli playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup is enough to keep cricket lovers eagerly waiting for what could be another memorable chapter in his extraordinary career.

By Nazaink Majid I am writing this letter to seek justice for the tragic and heartbreaking murder of Ali Raza. Mirza Raza Ali, a famous Wafflix food grand owner from Gulistan -e-Johar and who was murdered in Gulistan -e- Johar, Karachi. According to a Pakistan today on the police investigation, Mir Ali Raza was in contact with his fiance until 11:30 PM, after which he returned to his home in PECHS. At around 3:00 AM on July 28, his fiance attempted to reach him again. Over a span of roughly 20 minutes, she made more than 40 panic calls and sent multiple text messages expressing immediate concern for his safety, none of which were answered. Police Sources confirmed that before leaving his PECHS house, Mir Ali Raza had abruptly deleted his social media accounts and disconnected his whatsapp. And he sent some amount of money to his father’s account. On 28 July at 4:12, Ali Raza went to his home. The following days, on the night of 29 July, his body was left at a location, and people discovered it on the morning of 30 July. The painful death of Ali Raza shows that people’s lives are not safe. No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one in a such a way. Ali Raza’s death is a reminder that every life matters and every citizen deserves safety. We demand justice for Ali Raza and safety for every citizen of Karachi. No one should live in fear. Every person deserves justice, Safety and the chance to live without danger. The Ali Raza’s death should not become just another incident forgotten with time. It should be a wake-up call for stronger action, and safety for everyone. We appeal to the authorities to stand with the victim’s family, investigate this matter with honesty, and ensure that justice is served. No family should have to suffer such a loss, and no one life should be taken without accountability.

  By: Shahnoor Haroon I am writing this letter to share my thoughts about deforestation. In my opinion, deforestation is a very serious problem. It means cutting down many trees from forests and other places. I think trees are one of the most important gifts of nature. They give us oxygen, fruits, wood, medicine, and shade. They also make our surroundings green and beautiful. I feel that our lives would be very difficult if there were no trees around us. Nowadays, many trees are being cut down for different reasons. People need land to build houses, roads, schools, factories, and shops. Trees are also cut down to get wood and to make land available for farming. I think some people do not think about the bad results of cutting down trees. They only think about their needs today and forget about the future. Deforestation has many harmful effects. When there are fewer trees, the air becomes dirty because trees help to clean the air. They also keep the weather cool. I have noticed that places with more trees are usually cooler and fresher. When trees are cut down, the temperature can become higher. Cutting down trees can also cause floods and soil erosion. During heavy rain, tree roots help to hold the soil, but without trees, the soil can easily be washed away. I also feel sorry for animals and birds that lose their homes because of deforestation. Forests are their natural homes, where they find food and shelter. When people cut down forests, many animals have to move to other places. Some animals even die because they cannot find enough food or a safe place to live. This is very sad and unfair to them. I believe that every person can help in a small way. We can plant a tree near our home or school and take care of it. We can also ask our friends and family to plant trees.