- This Independence Day’s theme, Marka-e-Haq, calls on young Pakistanis to uphold truth, justice, and unity in building a prosperous future
As Pakistan celebrates its 78th Independence Day on August 14, 2025, the nation stands poised at a pivotal moment, reflecting on its journey from 1947 while envisioning a future driven by its most dynamic asset: its youth. With over 60% of Pakistan’s 240 million population under the age of 30, young people are the heartbeat of the nation, holding the potential to transform challenges into opportunities. This year’s Independence Day theme, (Marka-e-Haq, or the Battle for Truth), resonates deeply, invoking the struggle for justice and sovereignty that defined Pakistan’s creation and continues to inspire its progress. For the youth, Marka-e-Haq is a call to action—a mandate to harness education and resilience to overcome economic, social, and ideological barriers, ensuring Pakistan fulfills the vision of its founders, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal. This article explores how Pakistan’s youth can shape the nation’s future through education, resilience, and civic engagement, proposing a roadmap to empower them as architects of a prosperous, united, and resilient Pakistan.
The Historical Legacy: Youth as Catalysts of 1947
The birth of Pakistan in 1947 was a triumph of collective resolve, with young people at the forefront of the struggle for independence. Students and young intellectuals, inspired by Allama Iqbal’s poetic vision of a Muslim homeland and Quaid-e-Azam’s steadfast leadership, mobilized communities, organized rallies, and championed the cause of self-determination through the All-India Muslim League’s student wing, the Muslim Students’ Federation. Facing colonial oppression, communal strife, and economic hardship, these young activists embodied resilience, sacrificing personal aspirations to secure a nation where Muslims could live with dignity and freedom. Their efforts were a literal “battle for truth,” aligning with the ethos of Marka-e-Haq, which celebrates the pursuit of justice against formidable odds.
This historical legacy offers profound lessons for today’s youth. The determination of 1947’s young generation to unite diverse communities under a shared vision mirrors the challenges of modern Pakistan, where ideological divides and digital polarization threaten national cohesion. By drawing on the spirit of Marka-e-Haq, today’s youth can channel the same passion and resilience to address contemporary issues, from poverty to misinformation, ensuring Pakistan remains true to its founding ideals of unity, faith, and discipline.
Contemporary Challenges Facing Pakistan’s Youth
Pakistan’s youth face a complex array of challenges that test their potential to shape the nation’s future. Education, a critical driver of empowerment, remains a significant hurdle. According to UNESCO (2023), 22.8 million children aged 5–16 are out of school, one of the highest figures globally. Rural areas, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, suffer from inadequate school infrastructure, untrained teachers, and gender disparities, with girls facing cultural and economic barriers to education. Only 12% of youth aged 18–23 are enrolled in tertiary education (Higher Education Commission, 2024), limiting access to skills needed for a globalized, technology-driven economy.
Economic challenges further exacerbate these issues. Youth unemployment, estimated at over 8% (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2024), is compounded by a $250 billion external debt and inflation rates of 12.6% in 2024, which deepen poverty affecting 45% of the population (World Bank, 2024). These pressures force many young people into low-skill jobs or overseas migration, draining Pakistan’s talent pool. Malnutrition, with 33% of children under five suffering from stunted growth (UNICEF, 2025), also undermines the physical and cognitive potential of the next generation.
The digital age introduces additional complexities. Social media platforms, while offering opportunities for connectivity, have become breeding grounds for misinformation and ideological polarization, often termed “digital terrorism” in public discourse. The tension between democratic aspirations and militaristic narratives, coupled with the threat of extremism, challenges the unity envisioned by Pakistan’s founders. For youth, who are the primary users of digital platforms, navigating these spaces requires critical thinking and ethical discernment to avoid manipulation and division.
Education: The Foundation of Empowerment
Education is the cornerstone of empowering Pakistan’s youth to overcome these challenges and embody the spirit of Marka-e-Haq. A modern education system must go beyond traditional rote learning to foster critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical reasoning, equipping young people for a world shaped by rapid technological advancements. The National Education Policy 2025, which emphasizes integrating digital skills into curricula, is a promising step, but its uneven implementation highlights the need for systemic reform.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is critical for preparing youth for emerging industries like IT and renewable energy, which are pivotal to Pakistan’s economic growth under initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The IT sector, contributing $3.2 billion to exports in 2024 (Pakistan Software Export Board), offers opportunities for youth to drive innovation in fintech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. Vocational training programs, such as those offered by the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), can empower non-university-bound youth by providing skills in trades like solar panel installation and software development, aligning with global demand for sustainable technologies.
Education must also instill a sense of national identity and resilience. Incorporating the history of 1947—its sacrifices and triumphs—into curricula can inspire youth to connect with Pakistan’s founding ideals. The theme of Marka-e-Haq, celebrating recent victories like the Pakistan Air Force’s downing of six Indian fighter jets, can be woven into lessons to highlight resilience and national pride. Simultaneously, education should address contemporary challenges like misinformation and extremism by teaching students to critically evaluate digital content and engage ethically with technology, as advocated by studies on digital resilience (Setyawati et al., 2024). By blending technical skills with patriotic and ethical values, education can prepare youth to lead Pakistan into a prosperous future.
Resilience: The Core of Marka-e-Haq
Resilience —the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity—is at the heart of Marka-e-Haq and essential for Pakistan’s youth. The 1947 generation demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming displacement and hardship to build a new nation. Today, youth must exhibit similar fortitude to tackle economic, social, and ideological challenges. The spirit of Marka-e-Haq, which celebrates truth and justice, calls for resilience in confronting issues like poverty, unemployment, and digital manipulation.
Environmental resilience is a critical dimension, given Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. The 2022 floods, which displaced 33 million people and caused $30 billion in damages (World Bank, 2023), underscored the urgent need for sustainable practices. Youth can lead this charge by participating in initiatives like tree plantation campaigns and advocating for renewable energy, which Pakistan is expanding through solar and wind projects. These efforts not only address environmental challenges but also create economic opportunities, aligning with the battle for a sustainable future.
Mental and emotional resilience is equally vital. The mental health crisis among youth, driven by economic pressures and social media-induced anxiety, requires urgent attention. The World Health Organization (2019) recommends integrating psychosocial support into education systems to help students cope with stress and build emotional strength. Schools can foster resilience by creating safe spaces for dialogue, promoting mindfulness, and teaching strategies to counter online misinformation. By cultivating mental fortitude, youth can navigate ideological divides and extremist narratives, remaining steadfast in their commitment to Pakistan’s unity and progress.
Civic Engagement: Youth as Agents of Change
Civic engagement is the bridge that transforms education and resilience into tangible contributions to nation-building. Pakistan’s youth must actively participate in democratic processes, community development, and policy advocacy to honor the spirit of Marka-e-Haq. The low voter turnout in the 2024 elections (50%, per Election Commission of Pakistan) reflects a disconnect between youth and governance, often fueled by disillusionment with political instability and corruption. To counter this, civic education must be prioritized, teaching young people about democratic values, accountability, and the rule of law.
Incorporating Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline into school curricula can inspire youth to engage with civic duties. Programs like student councils and community service initiatives can provide practical experience in leadership and advocacy, empowering young people to address local issues like sanitation, education access, or environmental conservation. For example, youth-led campaigns to promote voter registration or combat misinformation can strengthen democratic institutions and foster national unity.
The digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for civic engagement. Pakistan’s youth, who dominate platforms like X and TikTok, can use these tools to advocate for social change, raise awareness about national issues, and counter divisive narratives. Digital literacy programs, inspired by frameworks like UNESCO’s (2021) AI Ethics Recommendation, can teach youth to use technology responsibly, creating campaigns that promote tolerance and national pride. By leveraging digital platforms, young Pakistanis can amplify their voices, connecting local concerns to global audiences and contributing to Pakistan’s soft power.
A Collaborative Approach: The Role of Stakeholders
Empowering youth requires a collaborative effort from educators, policymakers, parents, and the private sector. The government must increase education spending, currently at 2.3% of GDP (UNESCO, 2024), to improve school infrastructure, train teachers, and ensure equitable access, particularly for girls and rural youth. Public-private partnerships with tech firms, such as those in Pakistan’s growing IT sector, can provide scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs to prepare youth for high-demand fields.
Parents and communities play a critical role in fostering resilience and civic values. UNICEF (2025) highlights that parental engagement in education enhances children’s outcomes, suggesting that community workshops on digital literacy and civic responsibility can reinforce these values at home. Policymakers should develop youth-centric policies, such as job creation programs and anti-corruption measures, to restore trust in institutions. The EU’s GDPR (2016) offers a model for protecting young users in the digital space, ensuring their privacy and safety while encouraging innovation.
The private sector can drive economic empowerment by investing in youth-led startups and green initiatives. Pakistan’s freelance economy, one of the largest on platforms like Upwork, demonstrates the potential for young entrepreneurs to contribute to economic growth. By supporting initiatives in renewable energy and IT, businesses can align with the spirit of Marka-e-Haq, fostering a sustainable and self-reliant Pakistan.
Navigating the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges
The digital age presents both opportunities and challenges for Pakistan’s youth. Artificial intelligence and social media offer tools for innovation and global connectivity, but they also pose risks like misinformation and algorithmic bias. As noted in studies on digital resilience (Setyawati et al., 2024), youth must develop a sophisticated understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations to engage ethically with technology. Digital literacy programs can teach young people to detect AI-generated content and navigate echo chambers, ensuring they use digital platforms to promote unity rather than division.
The rise of Pakistan’s IT sector, contributing $3.2 billion to exports in 2024, highlights the potential for youth to lead in fields like software development and e-commerce. By mastering digital skills, young Pakistanis can drive economic growth and global competitiveness, aligning with the forward-looking spirit of Marka-e-Haq. Platforms like X can also serve as spaces for youth to advocate for policy reforms, environmental sustainability, and social justice, amplifying their impact on national development.
A Roadmap for Empowering Pakistan’s Youth
To realize the potential of Pakistan’s youth, a comprehensive roadmap is essential:
- Curriculum Reform: Integrate STEM, digital literacy, and civic education, emphasizing critical thinking and the history of 1947 to inspire patriotism.
- Teacher Training: Invest in professional development to equip educators with skills to teach 21st-century competencies.
- Youth Engagement Platforms: Establish student councils, digital forums, and volunteer programs to foster leadership and civic participation.
- Economic Opportunities: Expand vocational training and public-private partnerships to create jobs in emerging sectors like IT and renewable energy.
- Mental Health Support: Integrate psychosocial services into schools to build emotional resilience and address the mental health crisis.
- Policy Reforms: Develop youth-centric digital policies and increase education spending to ensure equitable access to opportunities.
Conclusion:
As Pakistan marks its 78th Independence Day, the spirit of Marka-e-Haq calls on the youth to lead the nation toward a future that honors the sacrifices of 1947. By harnessing education to build skills, resilience to overcome adversity, and civic engagement to strengthen democratic institutions, young Pakistanis can fulfill the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. The challenges of poverty, educational disparities, and digital polarization are formidable, but so is the potential of Pakistan’s youth to transform these obstacles into opportunities. As Jinnah once said, “There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan.” With education and resilience as their weapons, the youth can ensure that Pakistan not only endures but thrives as a beacon of truth, justice, and unity in the modern world.
The author, Nazir Ahmed Shaikh, is a freelance writer, columnist, blogger, and motivational speaker. He writes articles on diversified topics. He can be reached at nazir_shaikh86@hotmail.com