Empowering Youth for Civic Leadership: Islamic Ethos in Contemporary Pakistan

Abstract

In the context of contemporary Pakistan, civic leadership emerges as a critical factor in fostering social cohesion, sustainable development, and effective governance. With a remarkable demographic advantage of over 64% of its population being under 30 years of age, Pakistan stands at a crucial juncture where youth empowerment could significantly shape its future trajectory. However, this demographic dividend faces substantial challenges, including systemic unemployment, inadequate educational infrastructure, political instability, and endemic corruption, which collectively impede youth participation in civic leadership roles. This research investigates how Islamic ethos, with its emphasis on justice (adl), accountability (amanah), consultation (shura), and public welfare (maslahah), can provide a comprehensive framework for youth civic leadership in modern Pakistan. Through qualitative research methodology, incorporating secondary data analysis and in-depth interviews with fifteen young civic leaders across various regions, the study examines the multifaceted barriers to youth empowerment, explores the role of Islamic values in leadership development, and proposes actionable strategies for enhanced youth engagement. The findings reveal that while Islamic principles deeply resonate with youth aspirations and align seamlessly with civic responsibility concepts, their practical application in contemporary leadership frameworks remains limited. This research advocates for systematic policy reforms, structured leadership training programs, and strategic collaboration with religious scholars to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable leadership practices. By effectively integrating Islamic teachings with civic education, Pakistan can nurture a generation of leaders equipped to address societal challenges and drive meaningful progress, ultimately transforming its demographic advantage into tangible social and economic development.