Seminar
Inter-Generational Societal Transformation and Pakistan’s Resilience
August 22, 2024
The seminar explored the generational divide between Baby Boomers and Generation Z in Pakistan, focusing on how differing worldviews impact national resilience. It emphasised the need for intergenerational dialogue to build a more cohesive and resilient future for the country.
Pakistan’s history attests to the resilience of its society and state. This strength, rooted in shared values, historical unity, and an indomitable spirit, has kept the nation afloat. However, in the 21st century, this resilience faces a new challenge: the generational divide between Baby Boomers (Digital Immigrants) and Generation Z (Digital Natives).
The generational divide manifests in differing worldviews. Baby Boomers, shaped by the Cold War era, prioritise traditional issues such as foreign policy and national security. In contrast, Generation Z’s perspective, shaped by globalisation and the information age, focuses on navigating a dynamic world with evolving global partnerships and economic priorities.
Social media, a hallmark of the postmodern age, deepens this divide. The relentless flow of information creates echo chambers, fracturing shared narratives and amplifying differences. Misinformation and “fake news” on national security issues further complicate matters. As Generation Z becomes more prominent, their priorities often clash with those of Baby Boomers, leading to “mismatched pluralities” where many feel unheard and disengaged. This discord hinders Pakistan’s ability to address critical issues such as national development, political stability, and social progress.
However, there is hope. Building social resilience is crucial for Pakistan’s future. Generation Z’s youthful energy and digital fluency, combined with the wisdom and experience of the Boomer generation, hold immense potential. To bridge the gap, a “New Narrative for Resilience” needs to be fostered, leveraging the lived experiences of Boomers alongside the fresh perspectives of Generation Z. By harnessing the collective potential of its people, Pakistan can navigate 21st-century challenges. Intergenerational dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between generations are key to building a more resilient future.
Recognising Pakistan’s evolving social landscape and the challenges to national resilience, the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a seminar titled “Inter-Generational Societal Transformation & Pakistan’s Resilience”. The seminar aimed to bridge the generational gap and foster a collaborative approach to building a more resilient future for Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
The generational divide in Pakistan poses a significant challenge, with Gen Z navigating the tension between traditional values and modern global influences. While digitalisation offers new opportunities, it also fuels misinformation and erodes community engagement. Gen Z is increasingly disillusioned with political and economic instability, leading to a sense of disconnection and contributing to the brain drain. To foster resilience, it’s essential to address historical truths, align economic priorities, and bridge the gap between generations for a more cohesive future.
Policy Considerations
To bridge the generational divide in Pakistan, fostering inter-generational dialogue and community building is crucial, alongside prioritising character development in education. Enhancing digital literacy and leveraging Gen Z’s digital skills will help counter misinformation and address cybersecurity challenges. A balanced approach that respects both generations’ perspectives and adapts educational frameworks to local contexts can foster a more cohesive and progressive society.
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Guest Speakers
Mian Imran Masood
Former Minster Education, Punjab/ Vice Chancellor University of South Asia
Mian Imran Masood is a distinguished law graduate from Punjab University and an esteemed alumnus of Aitchison College. He has held several key positions in the Punjab government, including Parliamentary Secretary for Health & Population Welfare, Member of the Public Accounts Committee, and Minister for Education. Mr Masood’s leadership extends to the cultural sphere as the Chairman of the Gandhara Arts Association.
His notable achievements include serving as University Chairman of the Working Group of Baba Guru Nanak International University, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Education, and Vice President of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP). His contributions have been recognised with prestigious awards, such as the Gold Medal from the All Pakistan Private Schools Welfare Association and the Best Vice Chancellors Award.
Mr Oves Anwar
Director, Research Society of International Law
Mr Oves Anwar is a highly qualified legal expert with an LLB (Hons) from the University of London, UK, and an LLM in International Legal Studies from the University of Vienna. He is the founder of the Conflict Law Centre at the Research Society of International Law (RSIL) and serves as a member of the Prime Minister’s Working Group of Experts on Pakistan’s International Investment Regime Reforms. Additionally, he co-hosts the podcast “The Right and @War”.
Mr Anwar has made significant contributions to the digitalisation of legal research and has been instrumental in establishing the Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Criminal Justice Reform & Capacity Building. His publications include critical works such as Cyber Surveillance and Big Data: Pakistan’s Legal Framework and the Need for Safeguards, Human Rights and Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Legislative Landscape*, and the *Handbook on Criminal Investigations in Pakistan.
Dr Yaqoob Khan Bangash
Dean of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Information Technology University
Dr Yaqoob Khan Bangash is a distinguished academic with a PhD from the University of Oxford, UK, and a graduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, US. He currently serves as the Chairperson and Assistant Professor of History at Forman Christian University (FCU), Lahore, and the Chairperson of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Information Technology University (ITU), Lahore. Additionally, he has been a Visiting Fellow at the British Academy and Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. Dr Bangash is a Fulbright Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, US, and the founder of Afkar-e-Taza, an initiative promoting intellectual discourse. His scholarly contributions include the publications A Princely Affair: Accession and Integration of Princely States in Pakistan 1947-55 and Between the Sword and the Pen: The History of Lahore High Court.
CASS Speakers
Dr Bilal Ghazanfar
Associate Senior Researcher, CASS Lahore
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President, CASS Lahore
Master of the Ceremony
Researcher
Naba Fatima
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
