Digital Injustice with the Youths of Chitral: A Call to Action for Embracing Technological Advancement
Chitral, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a population of 515939 people, with 309563.4 youth (aged 15-29) making up approximately 60% of the population. Despite this significant youth demographic, Chitral’s young people are being left behind in the digital age, victims of digital injustice that threatens to undermine their future prospects. With a literacy rate of 40.30% (2023 census), it is crucial that we prioritize digital empowerment to unlock their potential. As the world hurtles forward into the digital age, the youths of Chitral are being denied access to digital resources, adequate leadership focus on technological development, and relevant activities to prepare them for the modern workforce. In contrast, neighbouring Gilgit has made tremendous strides in digital advancement, with state-of-the-art tech centres, vocational training institutions, and digital platforms. Gilgit’s youths are now equipped with the skills to compete in the global market, and the region is reaping the economic benefits of digital advancement.
The consequences of this digital injustice are far-reaching and devastating. Chitral’s youths are distracted from their actual aims by an overabundance of sports tournaments, music, and other events, which, while entertaining, do little to prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce. Meanwhile, Gilgit’s youths are leveraging technology to start their own businesses, create digital content, and connect with the global market. The importance of digital empowerment cannot be overstated. In today’s world, technology is the key to unlocking opportunities, accessing information, and connecting with the global community. By denying Chitral’s youths’ access to these resources, we are effectively disenfranchising them, limiting their career prospects, and condemning them to a life of digital darkness.
The leadership in Chitral must take immediate action to address this digital injustice. This includes establishing tech centres and vocational training institutions, developing digital educational platforms and infrastructure, and prioritizing technological advancement. We must also encourage digital exploration and innovation, and implement inclusive policies that ensure all youths have access to digital resources, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. Furthermore, we must recognize that excess in anything is poison. While sports and music have their value, they should not come at the expense of digital literacy and skills. We must strike a balance between entertainment and education, ensuring that our youths are well-rounded and equipped for success in all aspects of life.
In a nutshell, the digital injustice faced by Chitral’s youths is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. By prioritizing digital empowerment, we can unlock their potential, foster economic growth, and promote social development in the region. Let us work together to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for Chitral, where every youth has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Recommendations:
The authorities must prioritize the establishment of dedicated tech centres and vocational training institutions to equip its youth with essential skills for the digital era. Investment in digital educational platforms and infrastructure is crucial to promote widespread access to educational resources and foster digital literacy among Chitral’s youth. Leadership in Chitral should prioritize initiatives aimed at fostering technological advancement, directing resources and policies towards this goal. Encouragement of digital exploration and innovation is vital, fostering creativity and innovation among Chitral’s youth. Policies must ensure inclusive digital empowerment, reaching all segments of the population regardless of socio-economic status. Efforts should be made to strike a balance between entertainment and education, prioritizing digital literacy alongside recreational activities. Chitral’s society should recognize digital literacy and skills as essential for success, integrating them into educational curricula and professional development programs. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure that Chitral’s youths are equipped for success in the digital age and can compete on a level playing field with their peers from other regions. Let us work together to create a brighter future for Chitral.
