FAZAL HAQ
MARDAN :Shehraz Ahmad, a young climate activist from Takht Bhai who recently received the Climate Champion Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Shehbaz Sharif, has emphasized the vital role of youth in a nation’s progress. In his statement, he said that youth are the most valuable asset of any nation, and only those nations succeed that prepare their young generation to face modern challenges.He further stated that today’s era is marked by technology, globalization, and rapidly changing social and economic conditions, which bring both opportunities and challenges for young people. If the youth tackle these challenges with knowledge, skills, and hard work, success will be their destiny. However, if they fail to prepare, these challenges can become obstacles in their path.
Shehraz highlighted that education is the key to success in the modern world, but issues such as flaws in the education system, high costs, lack of quality institutions, and outdated curricula are major obstacles for students. In today’s world, having just a degree is not enough; practical skills, creativity, and knowledge of modern technology are equally important for success.Addressing the issue of unemployment, Shehraz stated that joblessness has become a significant problem worldwide, and in countries like Pakistan, the situation is even more critical. Young people struggle to find decent employment opportunities, leading to frustration and despair. On the other hand, advancements in technology and automation are replacing traditional jobs. Therefore, youth must acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving job market to secure their future.Shehraz also pointed out the negative impact of social media on young people. While social media serves as an excellent platform for information and communication, its excessive use leads to time wastage, mental stress, and feelings of inferiority. Problems like isolation, depression, and anxiety are on the rise among youth due to an imbalanced approach to social media usage.Discussing the influence of globalization and media, Shehraz expressed concern that Western culture is rapidly affecting Eastern societies, leading many young people to drift away from their traditions and values. He emphasized that preserving cultural and ethical values is a significant challenge in today’s globalized world.
It is worth mentioning that Shehraz Ahmad was recently honored with the Climate Champion Award by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A total of 22 individuals from across Pakistan were selected for this prestigious recognition, and Shehraz was one of only two recipients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
