Pakistanhas always been struggling hard for its survival ever since inception. Quite often we find it standing at the verge of collapse or passing through the most critical phase of its history. But nothing changes and we continue on the same course till once again a new crisis hits. Overtime we get rather used to such expressions, totally indifferent or unable to change or even think about it. Most of the discussions that we hear or watch on TV talk shows are all focusing on individuals and not ideas, playing blame game, leading to nowhere. If we take a closer look into our problems there may be several reasons for our failure of policy and direction but probably lack of leadership is central to all. The nation has what it takes to rise but so far has failed to produce the leadership for the purpose. Remember at the time of partition this nation, though comparatively less skilled and uneducated, won victories against all odds. The nation had golden dream of independence shining bright in the eyes of everyone. They were ready to sacrifice the wealth they earned so hard, the houses they lived over centuries, the streets where they grew up playing and graveyards where they buried their loved ones. But what happened to us? There is no dream in our eyes anymore. It seems like a dream gone sour. In this utter disappointment I was wondering when suddenly an idea struck my mind. It was a reflection of a well founded theory of history given by Ibn-e-Khuldoon about the rise and fall of empires. His thesis explains how an empire once built by a generation has a certain seed of destruction embedded in it and then it slowly treads its path to ultimate destruction. He explains that victory brings fortune to the new empire and it starts rejoicing, enjoying and falling in luxury leaving behind the hardships necessary to maintain an empire. With the passage of time when the power transfers to the third generation which was brought up in comfort and had not tasted the nomadic culture, it is then that the empire starts declining. This theory is not a point of discussion here as we are not looking at the fall of an empire rather the rise of a state. If we reverse the case and theorise on the same foundation that it takes three generations for a state to rise and get out of the shackles of colonial dominance to build necessary confidence essential for true leadership it can guide us about present day reality. I will be making three generalizations to build my case.Firstly, the colonial dominance extending over centuries of rule generates intense inferiority complex in the natives which give up genuine thought process essential for producing leaders required to run an independent state. Secondly 25 years is taken as the length of one generation to mature and give birth to a new generation. Thirdly, a man reaches its maturity at the age of 40 when he can make influential contribution to the society. Now coming to the demographic distribution ofPakistanwhere at the moment in year 2011 Pakistani population is composed of four generations:- The first generation:-- Those born inBritish Indiaand now is in the age category of 64 years and plus. Most of people in this category have retired from government service and have negligible role in decision-making. This generation was under substantial colonial influence, though at the same time it produced marvellous leaders for Pakistan movement and obedient servants of the new state afterwards, but failed to give true direction to the independent state of Pakistan. The second Generation. (40 years to 63 years)-- Those born in Pakistan but of Parents born in British India, a child born on and after 14 Aug 1947 will now be aging below 64 years. This generation grew under and alongside the older generation so it also had considerable colonial influence. Barring a few exceptions this produced leaders who could indicate the problem but could not bring any change. Their contributions cannot be ignored and will be highly useful for the coming generations. Young Generation (15 years to 39 years)-- This category has little colonial influence and can serve the purpose of an independent state of Pakistan in line with the wishes and directions of the founding fathers of the country. This generation is the hope of Pakistan which can bring change. Moving from thinking to action with a collective support, together we can make it possible. Youngest Generation (14 years and below)-- This category is believed to have completely recovered and with no colonial influence and is our future. In order to make best use of this generation we have to clear the way and provide environment for ultimate rise of Pakistan. This is the generation that however must be given sound educational background of the Two-Nation Theory and the sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers. Those who are 15 years of age now will enter 18thyear to earn voting right in the year 2014, when they will have a chance to participate in the electoral process. If they are imparted the right education focusing on Pakistans ideology the country will start sailing in the right direction. The youth is our only ray of hope. NASIR HAFEEZ, Islamabad, October 28.