While the definition of 'youth' do vary from country to country, for statistical purposes the UN defines 'youth', as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States. In Pakistan an estimated 41.84 million persons fall between the ages of 15 and 24 years which is about 27 % of the total population. However, as a result of endemic poverty, the majority of youth in Pakistan do not have the opportunity to experience a childhood. Youth literacy rate is estimated to be 53% while in young females the literacy rate is even lower at 42 % conforming to the wider pattern in Pakistan. Child labor remains a prevalent social issue in Pakistan. Economic conditions force many Pakistani youth to take up employment in their childhood years. Children's contribution to work in rural areas is about eight times greater than in urban areas. Children in rural areas work in the agricultural sector (74%) whereas in urban areas most working children (31%) are engaged in the manufacturing sector. In both areas, the percentage of girls working in manufacturing and services is higher than that of boys. If appropriate opportunities are given to the youth in Pakistan to explore their potentials, it capable of working miracles.
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