The latest developments in the world, particularly the emerging “new world order” associated with recent leadership in the United States, suggest a troubling assumption: that global problems can be resolved through brute military force. This shift has caused widespread concern across the globe, especially in Pakistan. One significant impact of this development is on fundamental human rights, particularly the right to education and healthcare. These sectors once provided not only intellectual satisfaction but also stable employment and livelihoods. Today, many university graduates, even if they possess good academic degrees, are finding it hard to find stable jobs and are mostly struggling to achieve some level of satisfaction. Young people, after getting frustrated when see the rise of the powerful and the mighty without any such struggle in this very society, increasingly feel compelled to acquire secondary, non-academic skills, such as flattery and submission to authority, rather than pursuing merit-based scholarship. Many believe that power, whether obtained through fear or unethical means, and wealth, regardless of its source, are the keys to success. This rapidly spreading menace will result in unacceptable social consequences of grave nature and hence needs to be tackled on war footing.
In my view, we need to come out of this misguided perception and see the world with a cleared and objective view. History shows that societies have functioned in similar ways before. In earlier times, warriors and guards were favored and well-supported by ruling authorities. A similar pattern is visible today, where professions linked to the military and administration receive greater resources and rewards, while other sectors face increasing neglect. Although, it is a reverberation of Fredrick Jameson’s concept of late capitalism and is in conformity with the creation of the elite system to rule over the vast number of people working as laborers to the capitalistic system, the Marxist philosophy says that the situation can be solved by a more holistic approach. When white-collar jobs are rapidly declining, and for many individuals, blue-collar work should remain the primary option. This shift necessitates a change in mindset. Individuals must now strive to acquire practical and specialized skills to secure employment. The era of guaranteed jobs based solely on academic degrees is fading. Employment is no longer a right; it must be earned through competence and fully developed skills.
In this context, universities must fundamentally reform their curricula, degree structures, and teaching methodologies. Higher education institutions must ensure that their graduates are equipped not only for current demands but also for future challenges, thereby safeguarding both individual and institutional survival. Simultaneously, the rapid advancement of technology is transforming the labor market. Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing human labor in many sectors. However, these developments also create demand for new technical skills. In my opinion, five broad categories of work will remain relevant and in high demand in the technologically advanced future. First, Technical experts who can maintain and manage digital infrastructure, including computers, the internet, satellites, and communication networks. Second, Professionals who can operate and manage AI-based humanoid machines. Third, Entertainers, such as performers, comedians, and artists, who provide recreation and emotional relief. Fourth, individuals involved in food production, preparation, and culinary arts, where human taste and creativity remain essential. Finaly, Service providers, particularly in emergency services, electricity management, and basic healthcare.
Given these realities, policymakers, educational leaders, and societal institutions must recognize the urgent need to redesign education systems to prepare future generations effectively. Another critical issue is the accessibility of knowledge in today’s world. With vast information readily available through digital platforms, one may question the role of educational institutions. However, while technology can provide information and technical skills, it cannot replace human values, ethical reasoning, and social understanding. Martin Heidegger warns that modern technology reduces the world, and human beings, to mere “resources” to be optimized and controlled. Therefore, the humanities remain indispensable. They provide the ethical foundation, cultural awareness, and social cohesion necessary for a balanced society. Without this human dimension, a purely technology-driven world risks becoming mechanical and devoid of meaning. Yuval Noah Harari warns that humans may become “hackable animals” in a data-driven world, where algorithms understand and predict behavior better than individuals themselves.
The need of the hour is to establish a balance between machines and humans. If such a balance is not achieved, we may witness a future dominated by cyborgs and artificial systems, where human experiences and emotions are marginalized. The consequences of such a transformation could be far more distressing than the challenges we face today at the threshold of the technological age. Ultimately, regardless of the prevailing world order, survival will depend on adaptability and resilience. To thrive, young people must reshape their mindset and focus on acquiring relevant skills. Not everyone can become a warrior or an administrator; therefore, it is essential to guide individuals toward diverse, meaningful, and sustainable career paths that ensure both personal fulfillment and societal stability.
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