Next Generation Pakistan is a significant national research study conducted by the British Council which comprehensively examines the perceptions of the country’s young population between the ages of 16 and 34 with specific focus on their views, values, beliefs, and actions. It assesses in detail the challenges which Pakistan’s youth face today, how it impacts their choices and decisions, and the efforts they are undertaking to transform and better their lives. 

This new report explores key findings such as mindset, finding that Young Pakistanis are divided on their identity: by their religion first, rather than their nationality as Pakistanis. It finds young Pakistanis optimistic about their future lives and careers and that they wish to stay in Pakistan as opposed to moving abroad. But the report finds these young people are politically very passive and apathetic, with little to no faith in the political system.

Emerging challenges are highlighted, such as employment, education and enabling factors such as politically engaging in policy making and engaging specifically with the education system are outlined.

This report notes that the views of Pakistan’s youth have been recorded at a time “when Pakistan faces a myriad of crises.” The country is experiencing a serious economic downturn, as well as major political instability, while the next general elections are just around the corner, and at a time when an unprecedented environmental catastrophe has depleted its resources and opportunities. “How the nation deals with these developments is crucial, and young people are at the centre of this storm as they are its biggest affectees and change makers. This is a crossroads moment for Pakistan, now more than ever.”

The Next Generation programme is part of the British Council’s commitment to exploring youth voice and choice. The global research programme is initiated in countries that are experiencing a period of significant change, with the purpose of ensuring that young people’s voices are heard and their interests properly represented in decisions and policies affecting their lives.

The research projects aim to examine young people’s views on education, employment, lifestyle, their degree of international engagement and their opinions on the wider world. The research provides an insight on youth attitudes and aspirations to better influence policies targeted at youth populations.