Youth are sometimes seen as too immature to take part in politics, writes Rizwan Anwar, 24, a Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan. But he argues that democracy means including youth who want to shape the future. People between the ages of 15 and 29 constitute youth. Those in their teens among the youth are said …

"Youth as part of the new political leadership" Read More »

Impressive athletic records were set at the Punjab Youth Festival, writes Faisal Saleh Yaqub, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lahore. But the festival was also a showcase for the technical talents of youth and the opportunities being created. By arranging Youth Festival 2014, the Government of Punjab provided a great opportunity for the youth to demonstrate …

"Festival brings out the softer image of Pakistan" Read More »

Pakistan’s youth face daunting challenges, but Rizwan Anwar, 24, a Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan, argues many of the obstacles are issues the government must tackle so that youth – and the country – can reach its potential. Pakistan has a large youth population. An estimated 103 million or 63 per cent of the population fall under …

"Pakistan's youth face major problems" Read More »

Pakistan has tourism potential for nature and adventure enthusiasts, writes Isar Nazir, 23, a Correspondent from Jhang in Pakistan, who tackled challenging trails to reach the spectacular beauty of mountain forests and meadows. This indeed was the most dangerous and perilous (counting only the landscape, nothing else) excursion of my life. Although I’m not the …

"A tourist expedition to Pakistan’s Fairy Meadows" Read More »

The survivors of a horrific school attack have returned to their classrooms in an inspiring display of courage and commitment, writes Summaya Afaq, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan. It has been a month since the deadly attack on Peshawar’s Army Public School wreaked havoc on the nerves of the Pakistani nation. Yet it seems the …

"Children show our smile is stronger than your guns" Read More »

On International Women’s Day, Summaya Afaq, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, urges women to take responsibility for empowerment through grassroots changes in parenting and society. As 8th March approaches every year, we witness women’s day celebrations across the world. But I find it a dilemma not to have found any considerable change in women’s lives as …

"Take action and be a woman of substance!" Read More »

Real democracy means more than casting a ballot on election day, writes Asim Nawaz Abbassi, 27, a Correspondent from Islamabad, Pakistan, who argues democracy also involves being aware of rights and responsibilities. Democracy is believed by many to be the best political system on earth, as it provides the opportunity for marginalized groups in society to showcase their opinions. The …

"Democracy must not be misconceived" Read More »

Looking past the stereotypes of a culture can reveal the benefits of traditional ways, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 22, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan. I belong to a very simple religion. I can hardly find things like mores, traditions or culture in my religion. On the other hand my identity, my country Pakistan, exists …

"The power of culture to create a better future" Read More »

Cricket sanctions have hurt fans in Pakistan, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, who argues for a return of sportsmanship and international support for the national sport. The Pakistani nation, surrounded by bomb attacks and mobile snatching, considers cricket as its religion. It gives them hope and happiness in their terrible …

“Cricket comes home to fans in Pakistan” Read More »

Universal primary education is still a distant goal, writes Summaya Afaq, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, but she argues that the goal is attainable if there is the political will to change priorities. The 21st century’s leaders are striving hard to implement democratic values that guarantee peace, stability and prosperity and ensure that no individual …

“Leaders need to prioritise books, not bullets!” Read More »