Report compiles previous research, in-depth interviews with young people, feedback from Pakistan leaders and future leaders

Washington, DC (24 November) - Over the weekend, the British Council’s Pakistan office released the results of a comprehensive study into the attitudes and needs of Pakistani youth.  The study, commissioned by British Council and conducted by Nielsen research company, combines a compilation of existing research with a representative opinion poll and interviews with Pakistani youth.  In spring 2009, the British Council released the results of its research project and solicited feedback from 1,500 opinion formers, policymakers and future leaders.  

One young respondent summarized his views of his country by commenting: “Sixty-two years back there was a nation in search of a land.  At present, there is a piece of land in search of a nation.”

The final report, which has been widely reported by news outlets including The New York Times, includes key statistics and attitudes – as well as propositions on new ways to approach the rapidly changing Pakistan.

Key Statistics

• Half of Pakistan’s citizens are under age twenty; two-thirds have yet to reach their thirtieth birthday.
• Pakistan’s population has tripled in less than fifty years, and will increase by an additional 85 million by 2030.
• Pakistan’s economy must grow by 6% each year to meet the needs of its growing population; 36 million new jobs are needed in the next 10 years.
• By 2030, Pakistan will be more urban than rural, creating huge demand for infrastructure.

A Hopeful Future: Voices from Pakistani Youth

• Despite frustration with the status quo, the majority of Pakistani youth believe Pakistan is the best country in the world to live in.
• Young Pakistanis believe that education can transform their society; when asked about the purpose of education, the majority said it was to become a good citizen.
• The next generation believes that it can improve Pakistani society by confronting issues as a group, rather than focusing on individual and ethnic differences.
• One youth surveyed from the North-West Frontier Province explained “Only the next generation can make a prosperous Pakistan. We have seen and inherited too many from our elders: corruption, bribes, mismanagement and the rest.”
• Youth from the poorest and most marginalized areas of Pakistan do not subscribe to older generations’ racist or classist viewpoints, believing that discrimination is unjust.

Findings: Attitudes of 1,226 Pakistanis aged 18 to 29 (provided by Nielsen)

• When asked about the ideal political situation for Pakistan, respondents were evenly divided between “Democracy” and “Islamic Sharia Law” with one-third choosing each option.  7% chose “Dictatorship” and 28% said “I don’t know.”  
• 80% of respondents agreed that improvement of the quality of education in Pakistan is important
• When asked “Which of the following is closest to your own view? I define myself as…,” 72% of respondents chose “Muslim,” compared to only 14% who chose “Citizen of Pakistan” (14% chose “Other)
• 50% disagreed that their current qualifications were sufficient to secure a good job
• 79% said Pakistan is headed in the wrong direction

Moving Forward

• With input from current and future Pakistani leaders, the report includes a series of propositions for improving the future of Pakistan by improving the prospects of its youth.
• Pakistan needs a long-term vision for the next generation.
• These goals should be the number one priority for the next generation.
• Delivery should be integrated across all policy issues.
• The first priority is to invest in young people.
• The second priority is to release the economic potential of the young.
• The third priority is to create policies that help young families.
• The fourth priority is to help young people become active citizens.
• The international community must live up to its responsibilities.
• Delivery to the next generation must be based on robust evidence.   

For more information, or to obtain a full copy of the report, please visit the British Council’s Pakistan web pages or contact Carrie Annand at the British Council.  

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