“Encouraging youth voting is about more than numbers; it’s about revitalizing Pakistan’s democracy and aligning leadership with the aspirations of its youngest citizens.”
With over 60% of the population under the age of 30, Pakistan’s youth represent a largely powerful yet underutilized and untapped force in shaping the nation’s future. Among them, millions are now eligible to vote, many for the first time, after turning 18. Yet, despite this massive demographic advantage, the rate of youth voter turnout remains alarmingly low in Pakistan. Civic engagement such as voting, activism, or public involvement often remains on the margins of public discourse. For a country like Pakistan that is struggling to maintain democratic continuity, political stability, and facing social fragmentation, emphasizing and encouraging the active participation of youth voters is not just desirable; it is essential.
According to data from the Election Commission of Pakistan, over 21 million voters between the ages of 18 and 25 were eligible to vote in the general elections of 2024. This group could decisively influence the outcome of elections. However, the potential of youth in Pakistan is often overlooked and neutralized due to a lack of awareness, limited access, and a deep mistrust in political processes. Many first-time voters remain unaware of the formal vote-casting process, such as how to register, where to vote, the importance of voting, and the power their vote holds. This issue is even more severe among out-of-school youth, young women in conservative regions, and those in rural and impoverished areas.
For many young people in Pakistan, civic engagement, whether it is voting, speaking out, or organizing for change, still feels distant and irrelevant. This civic apathy has multiple roots. The disconnect does not stem from disinterest alone, but from years of limited exposure to political dialogue or civic participation. Often, parents or guardians avoid discussing such topics with adolescents, which gradually fosters neutrality and indifference among the youth. Political disillusionment has left many young people feeling that their vote carries little weight. Corruption, nepotism, and the repeated failure of governments to deliver on promises have led to a culture of disengagement. While this skepticism is understandable, it is also dangerous. When youth disengage, politics becomes the domain of entrenched elites, and the voices of ordinary citizens, particularly the younger generation, are lost in the noise of power politics.
That said, there is a more hopeful side to this narrative. In recent years, Pakistani youth have begun to engage politically in new and dynamic ways. This shift empowers and encourages young people to take a more active role in shaping the country’s democratic future. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for political awareness, activism, and mobilization. From climate change campaigns to protests injustice, students and young professionals have used online spaces to organize, express dissent, and shape public opinion. Youth-led communities and digital collectives are emerging as critical players in advocacy and reform.
Moreover, young Pakistanis are beginning to make their mark in formal politics. Youth representatives are increasingly visible in local and provincial assemblies, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance. These developments suggest that youth engagement is evolving, even if traditional voting remains low.
Voting, however, remains the most direct and impactful way to bring institutional change. It empowers citizens, especially the youth, to demand accountability, better governance, and civil liberties. Without their participation, vital issues like education, employment, and climate action risk continued neglect.
The good news is that change is possible. Digital campaigns, civic education in schools, and outreach programs by NGOs can activate youth participation, especially among marginalized groups. A national effort backed by the Election Commission can remind young Pakistanis that democracy depends on them, not just as observers but as participants.
Encouraging youth voting is about more than numbers; it’s about revitalizing Pakistan’s democracy and aligning leadership with the aspirations of its youngest citizens.
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