Interview
Fakhira Khanam, Social Activist
Fakhira Khanam is a social activist always try to play her role when it comes to youth development and solving social issues of Pakistan. She is also the President of Rotary Club of Islamabad Metropolitan where she is leading a diverse group of people who are working for social uplift in various fields. The Dayspring taking the opportunity talked to Khanam to share her experience and goals with the Youth of Pakistan.
Pakistan is a developing country and currently has the largest population of young people ever recorded in its history, according to a comprehensive National Human Development Report (NHDR) report launched by UNDP. Fakhira Khanam while talking to The Dayspring said that in the midst of crunching times, when Pakistan is facing severe issues such as economic crisis, Unemployment, water scarcity and lack of political will, the burden to take the country out of the whirlpool is upon it’s young people. Youth plays a vital role in keeping a nation upfront at the international level as through their contribution, a country moves on and on in the right direction of prosperity. Nonetheless, situation is not that optimistic in Pakistan, a country where more than 60% population is comprised on people who are between 16-30 years of age. Even with this huge majority of the total population , the country is still trailing far behind as compared to other super nations of the world.
Fakhira says that her first contribution to community services was in 2008 in a gender justice program. Over the years she has been supporting individuals and organizations in planning innovative solutions to local issues. A great deal of her effort has been in strengthening small community service organizations so that they can realize their big dreams. Small organizations and groups are the ones which work directly with the community. Since they are themselves facing local problems, they are very much familiar with the most feasible and practical solutions to their problems. It is quiet challenging to serve the communities when you are yourself young and are building your own career. While talking to Dayspring Khanam said that ; I came across many motivated young people in cities like Islamabad and Karachi and in far flung areas like Dera Bugti and Mastung. Although different geographic areas have different cultures but young people share same situation. There is a prevailing lack of mentoring and guidance programs for young people. When youth can not benefit from experience and exposure of community elders and professionals; they kind of loose their way and do not know what to do. You would recall a famous proverb …if you do not know where to go you will reach no where. Young people need our support in understanding their individual roles and how can they serve their own communities. It is now a worry of every young person that they have to find a job and earn money. A host of earning opportunities are available within the country but very few experienced people dedicate time to transfer this knowledge to the young. An uninformed young resource will ultimately be a demotivated person with gradual but dangerous shift to negative activities in wake of no guidance. Having exposure and interaction with well achieved professionals, national and international leaders is a key to offer this youth bulge a mentoring support. Khanam urges achieved individuals and leaders to come forth and help the nation to produce renowned scientists, engineers, and political leaders. Pakistan will grow if with help of mentors the youngsters realize their responsibilities and work accordingly by leaving their vain activities behind and act for the progress of this homeland.