The youth vote: No jobs, no money, still hopeful?

E-Paper | June 15, 2026

comments

Join our Whatsapp Channel

Add Dawn as a trusted source

Jibran Nasir and Mohammad Yousuf.

Almost 20 per cent of Pakistan's registered voters fall under the category of the youth (18-25). Out this number 10, 548, 648 are male while 6,336,454 are female.

Part four of “Voters’ Voice” focuses on the issues that the youth of Pakistan face and what they expect from the next government.

Part I of Voters’ Voice: Security

Part II of Voters’ Voice: Women

Part III of Voters' Voice: Minorities

Jibran Nasir and Muhammad Yousuf are both 26 and they are both running as independent candidates from Karachi’s PS-113 constituency. Yousuf has been involved in the Pakistan Youth Forum for a few years now, while Nasir is a lawyer who has just started working. This will be the first elections both men will contest in; watch the video to hear their views of the two budding politicians on the youth of Pakistan.

The two candidates of PS 113

Word on the street: The youth vote

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Info minister invites opposition to sign Charter of Economy, defends proposed FY27 budget

Tarar calls for end to differences over AJKLA refugee seats via democratic means

Punjab expands Liquid Tree project to tackle urban pollution

Pakistani Hindu

May 04, 2013 11:43am

I am a Pakistani and I am a Hindu. I take serious offence to my identity(pakistani) and my religion(hinduism) by that comment of yours.

Recommend 0

Hatim Qureshi

May 03, 2013 10:20am

A Pakistani in the left picture and a hindu in the right picture?

Recommend 0

Shahpur

May 02, 2013 09:22pm

Yes. People like Imran are a step towards that end, he looks sincere among the crowd. There is really no Constitution of Pakistan, yet. Whatever exists, was made in 1973, by Bhutto in a big hurray, to go to the next step. But what Bhutto did was a political compromise. Times have changed and Pakistanis need new constitution, which guarantees at least basic human rights. Whether anyone, is young or old, man or woman,they should continue do something, every day. Then something will happen. Look at the last 66 years a lot has happened.

Recommend 0

sher khan

May 03, 2013 07:43am

@Malick . Did our previous "experianced"Foreign ministers did any better with the "4K"?

Recommend 0

Brandsynario

May 03, 2013 10:41am

Youth is the future of Pakistan and they must be given proper right to vote and elect the person that can make their future even better. Youth also needs to participate in elections as candidates

Recommend 0

Agha Ata (USA)

May 02, 2013 02:35pm

Are they supporting Imran Khan?

Recommend 0

Malick

May 02, 2013 06:17pm

If one of these youth may be Jibran Nasir OR Muhammad Yousaf is assigned as Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Can he deals " 4 K " Kyani General, Karzai Hamid, Kerry Jhon & Kashmir?? If the other one is assigned Internal Ministery of Pakistan can he handle with Terrorist, Tehreek Taliban, Ji, LJ, establishment and Judiciary of Pakistan

Recommend 0

Malick

May 03, 2013 02:57pm

Youth is the future indeed, if youth is unable to save the present, what hope about future. To day youth is a unable to control the body language of their leaders like Imran Khan and Sheikh Rashid. I am afraid, if youth follow this abusive languages what will happen? Do the youth will use the abusive languages against parents, grand parent and so on.........We expect much more from our youth....if youth realize this..

Recommend 0

Imran

May 02, 2013 11:19pm

Hi Malick, If uneducated,landlords from villages (Zardari) and people with fake degrees and people like Rehman Malik can handle "" 4 K

Recommend 0

Sid Noonari

May 03, 2013 01:55am

Malick! We must encourage them.... they may not be expert in foreign affairs but they have to be experts in future. I know they don't know how to swim but they are to swim..... Same as a house wife how don't know doing cleaning but she has to clean her house....Can she " Oh! I don't know how to do cleanings so let me the house remain dirty???"

Recommend 0

Sid Noonari

May 03, 2013 01:56am

Malick! We must encourage them

Recommend 0

May 03, 2013 12:45am

I am sure they will be better than Hina rabbini khar.

Recommend 0

Independent Voter

May 03, 2013 03:54pm

Sorry to say this but im highly disappointed how both candidates only mentioned the 'common problems' of our country and system. Thats peanuts for anyone living here. I would have been very impressed if they would have discussed strategies or solutions to the 101 problems they mentioned. The question remains, as an independent candidate with only knowledge of some few issues, can they really make a difference? I dont think so. I wouldnt ever waste a vote just cuz these candidates are the 'youth' of this nation. They need to be credible as well.

Recommend 0

Shahid

May 02, 2013 10:17pm

Among Ts, dont forget Tehrik Insaaf- offshoot of TTP

Recommend 0

Junaid

May 03, 2013 09:05am

They are running Provincial Assembly seats. The posts you raise are for National Assembly elected officials. Provincial assembly elected officials work on local issues, not international ones. Youth isnt a bad alternative for provincial seats.

Recommend 0

atts

May 03, 2013 07:49am

1) I dint realize dealing with 4 K etc was a prequalification for FM etc....had you mentioned earlier I would have asked ECP to include it in its prequalification list. 2) did the previous FM handle the 4K or the Birkin 3) If we can root for a cricketer for a chance at the helm of the nation..... we can definitely give a lawyer a chance too - but thats just my opinion :)

Recommend 0

imransaudi

May 03, 2013 07:48am

Youth can do anything.Bhutto was very young to take care of foreign office in Ayoub era. we must believe in youth guided by elders.

Recommend 0

Ali

May 02, 2013 07:20pm

Jibran and Muhammad you won my votes buddy.....too bad my vote is in North Nazimabad and I am in Dallas:)...wish you all the best! We Pakistanis need people need you.

Recommend 0

pathanoo

May 03, 2013 02:57am

You can't do any worse with either of them. They are young and are, I am sure, mad at the situation in Pakistan. How bad can they be?

Recommend 0

Talha

May 03, 2013 05:12am

Mr. Mallick, whether they can or cannot deal with such things/people, they must fight against lack of trust in abilities of the youth.

Recommend 0

A. Khan

May 02, 2013 07:35pm

@Malick They cannot possibly do worse than Musharraf, BB, NS or AZ. Even if they tried hard, they would not be able to beat the incompetency of Rehman Malik.

Recommend 0

A. Khan

May 02, 2013 07:33pm

My advice to all youngsters : get out and vote. But keep in mind that voting for the same parties again and expecting them to give you guys a future is a sign of insanity. Keep that in mind when you vote.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.