The Youth Bulge in Azad Jammu & Kashmir: A Wake-Up Call Before It’s Too Late
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is standing at the edge of a critical demographic shift — a moment that holds both incredible promise and alarming peril. We are living through one of the most intense youth bulges in the world. Over half of AJ&K’s population is under the age of 35, and nearly 29% falls in the 15 to 29 age group. Yet, what should be a blessing is dangerously close to becoming a burden.
A Region Full of Potential, Yet Dangerously Underutilized
Pakistan as a whole has been experiencing a rapidly growing youth population since the 1990s. Today, over 64% of the country is under the age of 30, making Pakistan the 5th most populous nation in the world. But in AJ&K, the situation is even more concentrated.
Despite having a literacy rate of 77.8% — higher than Islamabad and any other province in Pakistan — only 12% of the youth in AJ&K are employed. This shows a clear gap between education and opportunities. If this energy is not channeled toward constructive action, the consequences will be severe — economically, socially, and spiritually.
The Digital Generation: Controlled, Not Empowered
The youth of AJ&K is more connected than ever before. Social media, mobile apps, and streaming platforms dominate the daily routines of our young generation. But being connected does not mean being empowered. In reality, we are witnessing a youth generation that is being digitally controlled — distracted, disengaged, and often manipulated.
Time that could be spent building skills, exploring ideas, launching businesses, or serving communities is being lost in endless scrolling and meaningless trends.
A Divine Responsibility
Our history and our faith both emphasize the crucial role of youth. In Surah Taha and throughout the Quran, Allah honors the contribution of young believers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised:
“Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age…” (Mustadrak al-Hakim)
In another hadith, he (peace be upon him) said:
“Seven people will be shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment… among them is a youth who grows up in the worship of Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
These messages are more than just religious teachings. They are calls to action — a warning that youth is the most powerful period of one’s life, and wasting it is a form of self-destruction.
Islamic History: A Movement of the Youth
All the great movements in Islam began with the youth. The first fifteen years of Islam saw almost no acceptance from elders or tribal elites. Instead, it was the youth — fresh minds and brave hearts — who stood by the Prophet, who accepted the message of truth, and who changed the world.
The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were largely young. They were the ones who shaped the early Islamic world and proved that real transformation always begins with the young.
The Coming Collapse, If We Don’t Act
If today’s youth fail to rise, history will repeat itself. Our previous generation failed to confront corruption, injustice, and poor leadership — and today, we are paying the price.
If you cross the age of 35 without having taken a stand, without having built something meaningful, without having resisted the societal norms that promote ignorance and injustice — you will find it nearly impossible to turn the tide.
And at that point, just like many in the past generation, you will have to live with regret. The time to act is now.
Steps Toward Awakening
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Develop a clear, purpose-driven mindset.
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Educate yourself beyond books. Focus on skills, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
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Join movements like Connect Kashmir and national programs like the Prime Minister’s Youth Program to start contributing actively.
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Use technology wisely. Don’t let it use you.
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Serve your community. Create solutions. Lead by example.
A Final Message
Nelson Mandela once said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” But leadership doesn’t come automatically with age. It is earned through action, struggle, vision, and sacrifice — all of which must begin in youth.
To the youth of AJ&K: this is your time. The world will not wait. Your region needs you. Your future depends on the choices you make today.
Stand up. Speak out. Build. Lead.
Written by:
Engr. Fakhar Jabran
Founder – Connect Kashmir
Commonwealth Peace Award Winner
Startup Leader | Youth Advocate | Social Impact Visionary
