Pak heading towards 'demographic disaster', warn experts
New York | November 22, 2009 6:45:33 PM IST
 

Experts have warned that if Pakistan continues to neglect the current favourable ratio of productive young to old and does not address the needs of its younger generation, it could have a catastrophic effect on its future.

They said Pakistan, which is already facing myriad of challenges, would face a 'demographic disaster' if the government does not responds in time.

"This is a real wake-up call for the international community.You could get rapid social and economic change. But the other route will lead to a nightmare that would unfold over 20 to 30 years," The New York Times quoted David Steven, a fellow at the Center for International Cooperation at New York University, as saying.

Pakistan has more productive youths than dependents, yet is has done nothing to tap this favourable ratio.

According to the British Council's Next Generation Report on Pakistan, the country is going through a favourable ratio of productive young to old, but it has done nothing to address this demographic dividend over the past two decades.

The report highlighted that this 'window of opportunity', which opened in 1990, would close in 2045, which gives the country 'little over 35 years to change course and reap the economic and social potential attached to such an opportunity.'

The report shockingly revealed that an overwhelming three quarters of people in Pakistan consider themselves as Muslims first and Pakistani's second.

"Only 10 percent have faith in national or local government, the courts or police, while three quarters see themselves as Muslims first, Pakistani second, compared to just 14 percent who see themselves as primarily a citizen of Pakistan," the report said.

It also pointed out that only 15 percent of the country's youth believe that the country is headed in the right direction.

The report said that over 92 percent youth considered education an important issue which must be addressed soon.

It, however, noted that there is a widespread discontent with regard to democracy among the youth of the country.

Only one third of country's youth considered democracy best for the country, while another third preferred 'sharia'. (ANI)

 

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