Every year, green and white flags fly and patriotic songs are played all over Pakistan beginning on 14th August, marking our independence day, which often carries great significance and pride across extensive history and struggle. Yet for many today’s youth, the day holds significant meaning that extends far beyond a traditional celebration.

As a Complaint Lead and Social Media Team member with Volunteer Leading Governance (VLG) when I reflect on Independence Day I feel an immense hug of “pause” that allows me to regroup, rethink, and reclaim my responsibility. I am experiencing not merely an Independence Day celebration but remembering the moment and role we must play in the construction of their future.

A New Lens: What 14th August means to today’s Youth

The youth of Pakistan today were raised in an era of digital transformation, social evolution, and rapid political shifts. Unlike generations before, we’re not content with passive patriotism. We don’t just celebrate 14th August, we question, we engage, and we act.

To many young Pakistanis, Independence Day has become a symbol of ownership and identity. It’s a chance to connect with the sacrifices that laid the foundation of this country and to ask ourselves, what we are doing to carry that legacy forward.

We look at the flag not just with pride, but with a sense of urgency. Each stripe, each star, feels like a call, to step up, speak out, and serve. For this generation, 14th August is a turning point, not just a date.

The Rise of Young Volunteers

This belief process has resulted in increased youth involvement in movements and volunteer networks throughout Pakistan. Youth are participating in contexts that we saw as previously unavailable to them. From grassroots movements to social-media based activism, the new Pakistani youth volunteers are determined, young, educated, and purposeful.

As someone who works directly with VLG, I have seen these young volunteers work with urgency to move conversations to action, rather than become a part of the system to change it. We are creating change from within.

Whether we are helping citizens resolve complaints, using social media to raise awareness or working collaboratively on a local project, each opportunity contributes to a bigger vision of a fairer, more equal Pakistan.

The Power of Purpose: How Youth Are Shaping the Nation

So how exactly are young volunteers making a difference?

Through Digital Platforms

Our generation understands the power of a post, a hashtag, a video. Social media has become a space not just for expression, but for education and advocacy. Youth-led digital campaigns are drawing attention to key issues, from education to climate justice to women’s rights, and pushing authorities to respond.

Through Local Engagement

Volunteering on the ground, in villages, schools, and underrepresented communities, allows us to connect with people who often feel ignored. We gather stories, we solve problems, and we build trust.

Through Listening

In my role, I’ve discovered that listening is one of the most underrated tools of leadership. Every complaint we handle is not just a file or a number, it’s a person seeking dignity. It’s in those moments, where bureaucracy and empathy meet, that real change happens.

Through Leading by Example

Today’s young volunteers are setting a new standard. We’re proving that you don’t need a title to make an impact. You just need intent, integrity, and a commitment to show up.

A Personal Reflection

Being a part of VLG has reshaped the way I understand leadership. It’s not always about big speeches or headlines, it’s often about the quiet moments of service. The late-night complaint follow-ups, the community visits, the tough conversations with stakeholders, this is where leadership lives.

And I’m not alone. All around me, I see young people doing incredible work, often unpaid, unseen, and unrecognized, but never unimportant.

Beyond the Celebrations

True independence means more than just freedom from colonial rule. It means building a country where justice is accessible, where youth voices are respected, and where every citizen feels seen.

This 14th August, I encourage every young Pakistani to not just raise a flag — but to raise your voice. Raise awareness. Raise hope.

Because our generation is not the future — we’re the present. And every step we take now determines where Pakistan stands tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: A Generation in Motion

So as we mark another year of freedom, let’s make a collective promise:

To serve.
To support.
To step forward when it’s easier to stay silent.
To be the reason someone else finds strength.

We are the generation of change-makers, and we don’t need to wait for anyone else to fix what’s broken. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Pakistan Zindabad.

Aneela Majeed
Complaint Lead | Social Media Team
Volunteer Leading Governance (VLG)