Violent Protests and Responsibilities of Youth

(Written By: Abdul Basit Alvi)

The Pakistani youth, who represent a significant portion of the population, have a vital role to play in ensuring their voices are heard through constructive and peaceful means. Choosing not to participate in protests that lead to unrest offers young people the opportunity to take on the responsibility of fostering positive change and shaping a better future for themselves and the nation. One of the primary responsibilities of Pakistan’s youth is to engage in open, respectful dialogue, rather than resorting to street protests. Dialogue is the foundation of democracy and effective conflict resolution. Instead of seeing protests as the sole means of addressing grievances, young people should prioritize conversations and discussions—whether within local communities, on social media platforms, or even with government representatives—as a way to drive change. Dialogue creates a platform for diverse perspectives to be heard and understood, promoting empathy and collaboration. In contrast to protests—particularly violent ones, which often deepen divisions and perpetuate conflict—open discussions help build consensus and trust. Engaging in meaningful conversations allows for the exploration of practical, long-term solutions to issues such as unemployment, educational reform, and climate change, without the need for confrontation. By fostering a culture of dialogue, young people can effectively channel their concerns in ways that are more likely to lead to constructive outcomes.

One of the key responsibilities of youth is to engage in the political process, through voting, campaigning, or other civic activities. Rather than turning to protests as a form of expressing dissatisfaction, young people should make use of established democratic channels to advocate for their rights and interests. Pakistan’s democratic system provides avenues for youth to influence governance, whether through voting or standing for office. By participating in elections and holding politicians accountable, youth can address systemic issues without resorting to disruptive protests. Rather than viewing the political establishment as an adversary, young people can take a proactive role in driving change from within political structures. Active involvement—whether through youth wings of political parties or independent movements—ensures that young voices are considered in policy-making. Youth should also be encouraged to participate in local government meetings, and other democratic forums where they can effectively advocate for change.

The rise of social media has dramatically reshaped how young people communicate and organize. While platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have been used to rally for protests, they also offer immense potential for positive, constructive change. Pakistani youth have a responsibility to leverage social media to raise awareness, educate the public, and influence policymakers without the need for disruptive demonstrations. Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing information, highlighting key issues such as corruption, climate change, and women’s rights. Online campaigns that focus on education and awareness can be just as impactful as physical protests, without the risk of violence or property damage. Movements like #SaveTheEnvironment and #EndGenderBasedViolence demonstrate how digital campaigns can mobilize people globally. Pakistani youth can harness the power of hashtags and online campaigns to amplify their voices and bring attention to critical issues in a non-disruptive way.

Another impactful avenue for Pakistani youth to drive change is through local community development and volunteerism. Rather than participating in protests, young people can directly engage with the issues affecting their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Whether it’s working in education, healthcare, or social welfare, community-based action offers an opportunity for meaningful and lasting change. Volunteering allows youth to see the tangible outcomes of their efforts—be it organizing educational programs for disadvantaged children or helping to clean up local neighborhoods. This sense of accomplishment fosters a stronger sense of community and social responsibility. By participating in volunteer work, young people can bridge social, economic, and ethnic divides, building understanding, solidarity, and a stronger, more cohesive society. By concentrating on local issues, young people can foster a culture of peace and mutual support, counteracting the divisions often caused by violent protests. Community development initiatives have lasting benefits for both individuals and society, empowering youth to create a more inclusive and prosperous future. Education stands as one of the most effective tools for young people to tackle the social and economic challenges facing Pakistan. By prioritizing their studies and focusing on personal growth, young people can make a deeper and more lasting contribution to the country’s development and progress. Rather than engaging in protests, youth should invest in their academic and personal development, positioning themselves as key players in addressing Pakistan’s most urgent challenges. Acquiring new skills and knowledge enables youth to become leaders in their respective fields and advocates for meaningful change. Whether in science, technology, business, or the arts, young people have the potential to drive national progress and solve critical issues without resorting to protests.

Educated youth can serve as powerful advocates for change, not just for themselves but also for their communities. They can raise awareness about important social issues by organizing seminars, lectures, and workshops that promote peace, tolerance, and social justice. By focusing on education and lifelong learning, youth prepare themselves to take on leadership roles that will help tackle Pakistan’s challenges in a constructive way.

Moreover, Pakistani youth must embrace the responsibility of being accountable citizens. This involves respecting the rule of law, honoring the rights of others, and actively contributing to a fair and just society. While protests often arise from frustrations with the political system, a collective commitment to civic responsibility can alleviate these frustrations by encouraging individuals to work within legal and social frameworks to resolve their concerns. By advocating for the rule of law, youth can help prevent the violence that frequently accompanies protests, respecting public property, avoiding disruptive civil disobedience, and promoting peaceful, lawful solutions to grievances. Encouraging accountability within institutions will also ensure that governance and justice systems function effectively, reducing the likelihood of protest-driven unrest.

Read more: PPAF Empowers Balochistan’s Youth for Social and Economic Change: Rana Mashhood

Pakistani youth have the potential to be role models in promoting civic responsibility, helping to create a stable and peaceful society. The youth of Pakistan are patriotic and deeply love their country. They fully understand the negative consequences of repeated protests and stand against violence, hatred, and anarchy. They are committed to seeing Pakistan become stronger and more developed. To continue this spirit of patriotism, the youth must remain steadfast in their rejection of protests driven by political interests that do not address the real, pressing issues of the people.