COVER STORY
Hope – it may just seem like a small word but it encompasses a huge sentiment, one that keeps us going even in the toughest of times. And it’s something we clearly need now more than ever.
As our country heads towards change, we asked our readers and contributors – both the young and the young at heart – how they feel about Pakistan’s future and what hopes they have for their homeland.
Are you hopeful about Pakistan’s future?
What are your hopes and dreams for your country?
What do you hope the next five years will bring?
Zahra Zafar, 24, Taxila
When I read the question, my initial thoughts were clouded with the scepticism that always rears its head when I think about the future of my country.
As I pondered, the word that caught my attention was “hope”, and after that every pessimistic notion settled down. I might not be very vocal about it, but yes, I am still hopeful about the future of our society and country. In fact, all the hope originates from the youth that are proving themselves through their creativity and talent, regardless of the ordeals and hindrances they face on a daily basis.
My dreams are similar to those of every Pakistani who wants this country to become prosperous. We all want to have a rule of law, a better economy, quality education, and promising job opportunities in Pakistan.
Moreover, when I see all the campaigns that claim that they will turn Lahore into London and Karachi into Paris, I feel a certain aversion to that dream. The realistic patriot in me doesn’t want to turn Lahore into London but to revert it back to its ancient glory with all the culture, art, and literature. I don’t dream of turning Karachi into Paris; I want it to be the Karachi it once was – city of lights, of nightlife, and with a thriving entertainment industry.
For the next five years, all I hope for is stability on the economic and political fronts. I wish that, for once, our main concern will be education and the empowerment of our youth so they can be the ones to bring positive changes. All of this might sound like wishful thinking, but as Emily Dickinson said, “Hope is the thing with feathers”, so I’m letting all these hopes turn into a bird and perch in my heart to dream of the prosperity and development of my beloved Pakistan.
This time I will cast a vote for the first time, so I am not only excited but also hopeful for the bright future of my country. I want this country to stand among the list of developed countries.
Being a young enthusiast of this nation, I dream that in the upcoming five years the elected government will work on education. We are still lacking in education. Moreover, there should be job opportunities for fresh graduates. I am hopeful that the new government will provide funds to those young children who are out of school because of financial reasons.
Amna Ameer, 31, Rawalpindi
Brimming with opportunities and talent, the youth of Pakistan is an unwavering storm of energy, and the future of my country seems bright. But to my dismay, it is only a mere flicker fading in the distance amidst the very tangible struggles of livelihood, financial security, debilitating moralities, political mayhem, absence of rule of law...
Where freewill is a facade and democracy has become a mockery. Where each individual is struggling for a good education, health care, and justice, living on loans and aids, still incapable of self-reliance and autonomy in any sector.
Unless a serious, progressive, and inclusive approach is taken by the people in power, this country, despite its resilience and persistence, will die a slow painful death.
In the next five years, crucial steps need to be taken for better education, health care, defence, governance, climate change, religious equality, inclusivity of minorities and disabled, justice, and rule of law.
We need to go back and embrace the lessons of Islamic ideology, Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, and Allam Iqbal’s philosophy. If we don’t direct this unwavering swarm of heightened energy of frustrated youth and make it an asset, we cannot progress in this world for the years to come and for the generations that will follow us.
It’s challenging to predict what lies ahead for Pakistan. Currently, the political landscape is mired in a relentless cycle of power struggles and mutual opposition. It often feels like a never-ending whirlpool where the wellbeing of the people takes a backseat to personal agendas.
It’s no surprise that some individuals who have the means are opting to leave this tumultuous situation behind. It’s important to clarify that this sentiment isn’t rooted in hatred for Pakistan, but rather in frustration with those in positions of power who have, in many ways, hindered the progress and development of the country.
Looking forward, there is hope on the horizon. The next five years could hold promise if the youth of Pakistan take matters into their own hands and actively strive to make the nation a better place. Positive change must start within us, the citizens, as we collectively work towards a brighter future for our country. By fostering unity, promoting responsible leadership, and addressing the pressing issues facing Pakistan, we have the potential to create a more prosperous and fruitful environment for all.
I understand that friends are leaving and so are all the hopes and dreams. I understand staying is becoming a compulsion rather than a choice. With every day bringing bad news, I am sure it’s not easy to stay optimistic, and finding a way to look at the brighter side is becoming impossible. But isn’t it human to think of things that might not matter in the moment but always have weight and width as they are supposed to govern the possibilities of tomorrow?
No matter what the geopolitical and internal political scenarios may be at the current time, our country is still going to be ours. No one else but us is responsible for the state it is in right now. No one else but us can create the state we all have always dreamt of.
We grew up in a country that provided us with a million possibilities, despite the shadows of terrorism continuously hanging above our heads. Now is the time to picture Pakistan and yourself five years from now and ask yourself a simple question: am I making enough for myself by choosing a career path abroad, and if I am, how much can I decide to contribute back to Pakistan? Leaving and learning and excelling is never bad, but never returning to give back to your country might exclude you from having an opinion on why your country is in shambles. If we ourselves as youth aren’t willing to create a safe tomorrow for our own country, who else will?
I hope for the best in the next five years of progress for Pakistan and remain optimistic about the possibilities in the future, jointly shaped by us and the newly elected government.
The consequences of difficulties in many sectors, which have led to Pakistan performing poorly compared to other South Asian states, include educational challenges, like a lack of proper infrastructure and facilities, resulting in an overall literacy rate of 70 percent for males and 49 percent for females. In the health sector, 10 to 16 percent of the population suffers from mild and moderate psychiatric and other disorders, and there is an annual increase of 0.08 percent in unemployment.
However, it is hoped that these issues will be addressed in the future through an effective governance model, representing the collective will of the Pakistani population who have always desired improvement in these sectors.
I won’t exactly say that I’m not hopeful because that would be really bad, I guess. I’m hopeful but practically speaking I don’t see anything concrete happening within the next five years. I do want educational, infrastructural, and cultural betterment as dream projects, but I don’t forecast them successfully taking place.
I don’t have personal feelings, but the future of Pakistan depends on various factors, including governance, economic stability, and societal progress. Positive changes and efforts toward development can contribute to a hopeful future for Pakistan.
I hope for advancements in technology, scientific discoveries, global cooperation, and efforts to address pressing issues like climate change. Societal progress, economic stability, and improved well-being are common aspirations as well.
I am not optimistic and hopeful about the future of my country.
I believe that in the coming years, conditions will worsen. If elections take place, there will likely be corruption, and those who have been exploiting the country for years will be elected. If elections do not occur, our future is not secure either.
Despite Pakistan celebrating 77 years of independence this year, growth here seems elusive. The allure of a stable future propels my decision to seek opportunities beyond, as the uncertainty in Karachi amplifies my doubts.
Having completed my bachelor’s, I’ve applied for master’s abroad, sceptical about Pakistan’s future. It’s disheartening to admit, but I’m drawn to former colonists for better-organized countries. In the next five years, I can only see a lot more young individuals leaving Pakistan for their better future. This is going to be a huge loss for Pakistan.
Pakistan was conceived with the aspiration to offer millions of underprivileged and poor Indian Muslims a separate space and time, enabling them to realize their full potential. The vision for Pakistan was that of a progressive, egalitarian, and multicultural country, grounded in a parliamentary system of democracy. The creators envisioned a society where every citizen, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion, would have equal rights and opportunities for personal, social, economic, and political development.
As a proud citizen of Pakistan, I harbour hope and optimism, though I regret that the enchanting dream seems to be dissipating. The societal classes, fallacies, and profound challenges, especially regarding women’s issues, have cast shadows on the nation’s progress. As a responsible member of Pakistan, I am committed to addressing and improving the conditions for females within the next five years.
I’m doubtful about Pakistan’s future, despite celebrating 76 years.
Returning from trips abroad, Karachi International Airport seems worn, much like the challenges our nation faces. Corruption is rampant, and those who try to fix the country suffer consequences.
As a young person, I can’t see a future here or see myself pursuing my studies. Moving abroad seems inevitable, mirroring the transient nature of even our politicians. Living in a city where going out is risky, with thefts commonplace, adds to the challenges. High unemployment, population growth, crime, corruption, and inflation are only going to get way worse in the next five years. Seeing educated individuals take menial jobs abroad due to economic struggles is disheartening.
Well, seeing the current scenario, there is not much hope to rely on, as it’s the same vicious circle we go through again and yet again. With the same electoral circus, we are forced to see the same faces yet again which we have been seeing for the last 40 to 50 years, so doing the same things again and again will obviously yield the same results.
I am not hopeful for the future because of the current situation – political deterioration, increase in corruption, a rapid increase in the spread of diseases, and despair all around the country.
But I wish that in the upcoming years Pakistan would be able to reduce its debt and a right candidate will take over the government of Pakistan and run it efficiently and effectively which will improve the economic instability of Pakistan. In the upcoming five years, I wish that we have reduced costs for goods and transportation, development and sense of equality, justice along with power, and sovereignty.
As a teacher, my hope for Pakistan in the coming years is that there will be improvement in the education system, and it will be free from all kinds of political and social barriers, Insha’Allah.
I hope our youngsters will represent a prosperous and educated Pakistan, and there will be a good relationship and communication between private and public sectors for the improvement of our systems.
