Essay writing (Q4, 12 marks)

Youth Unemployment

Every year, thousands of young Pakistanis leave universities with degrees in their hands, but many cannot find work. Unemployment is a condition in which a person who is able and willing to work cannot find a job. When the young are unemployed, a nation wastes its greatest asset. Youth unemployment is, therefore, one of the most serious challenges facing Pakistan today.

Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in the world, as nearly two-thirds of its people are under thirty. Yet many young people are either jobless or working far below their qualifications. Many graduates spend years sending applications, and frustration is spreading.

Young people are struggling in several areas. Firstly, they cannot find jobs that match their degrees. Secondly, many lack practical skills such as computer use and communication. Thirdly, those in villages have few opportunities outside farming. Moreover, young women face extra barriers, such as limited mobility.

The causes of youth unemployment are deep-rooted. Our education system produces degree holders rather than skilled workers, so what students learn does not match what employers need. In addition, slow economic growth and rapid population increase have reduced the number of new jobs. Nepotism in hiring also denies talent a fair chance.

Serious measures are required. The government should link education with the job market by expanding vocational training through bodies such as NAVTTC. Free online programmes like DigiSkills can train young people in freelancing. Easy loans can help them start small businesses, and merit must be the only standard in recruitment.

In conclusion, our youth can have a bright future if their energy is directed wisely. With skills and fair opportunities, today's jobless graduates can become tomorrow's job creators. As Allama Iqbal reminds us, "Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain": there are worlds beyond the stars. A nation that invests in its youth invests in its own future.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: What is unemployment?): hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Current conditions of youth): the present situation.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Areas where youth are struggling): three areas, listed with Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Causes of youth unemployment): causes with reasons.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Measures required): solutions with Pakistani examples (NAVTTC, DigiSkills).
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Future prospects): restated thesis, future hope, Iqbal's line as the strong ending.

The Most Historic Place I Have Visited

Some places are made of stone, yet they speak like books. The Lahore Fort, known locally as the Shahi Qila, is one such place. Last winter, I visited it with my class and felt as if I had walked into the pages of history. Of all the places I have seen, the Lahore Fort is the most historic.

The fort stands at the northern edge of the Walled City of Lahore. Its present form was built mainly by the Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. In 1981, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site together with the Shalimar Gardens.

The fort covers a vast area enclosed by massive walls of brick. Visitors enter through the grand Alamgiri Gate, built by Aurangzeb. Inside are marble halls, green lawns and elegant pavilions. The most famous is the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, whose ceiling is covered with tiny pieces of glass that sparkle like stars. The long Picture Wall shows elephants and horsemen in colourful tiles.

The atmosphere and environment of the fort are calm and majestic. Pigeons flutter over the courtyards, and a cool breeze blows. Its cultural and human side is equally rich. Just outside stand the Badshahi Mosque, the tomb of Allama Iqbal and the Minar-e-Pakistan, so the whole area feels like a living museum. Families and foreign tourists listen as guides tell stories of Mughal kings.

Standing inside the Sheesh Mahal, I was deeply moved. I imagined Shah Jahan holding court there nearly four hundred years ago. I felt proud of the skill of our ancestors, but I also felt sad to see names scratched on some ancient walls.

In conclusion, the Lahore Fort is a treasure of our history and culture, and its future depends on us. If restoration work continues and visitors respect its walls, this great monument will keep telling its story to generations yet to come.

Word count: 316 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): hook (a striking statement), the place named, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: General Description): location, builders, status.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Physical Features): sight details, from the gate to the halls inside.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Atmosphere and Environment ... Cultural and Human Elements): sound and touch details, then the people and nearby landmarks.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Personal Experience/Feelings): what I felt, in the first person.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, future of the monument, strong last line.

Women Empowerment

Quaid-e-Azam once said, "No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you." Empowerment means giving people the power and resources to make decisions about their own lives. Women empowerment, therefore, means that women can learn, earn and take part in public life as equals. For Pakistan, it is not a choice but a necessity.

The current conditions of women present a mixed picture. On the one hand, women serve as doctors, pilots and judges, and Benazir Bhutto became the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country. On the other hand, millions of women, especially in villages, still live without education, income or a voice. Pakistan ranks near the bottom of the Global Gender Gap Index.

Women are struggling in several areas. In education, many girls leave school early because of poverty, long distances and early marriage. In terms of financial independence, most women depend on male relatives for money, and many work in fields and homes without any pay.

Health is another area of concern. Poor nutrition and a shortage of trained midwives put many mothers at risk during childbirth. In politics, although sixty seats are reserved for women in the National Assembly, few women hold real power.

Several measures are required to restore women to a respectable status. Girls' schools should be built closer to villages. The Benazir Income Support Programme and small loans can help women earn and save. Laws against harassment must be enforced strictly. Above all, society must accept that Islam gives women the right to education, property and respect.

The future prospects are encouraging. Malala Yousafzai, Arfa Karim and Samina Baig have shown the world what Pakistani women can achieve. With equal opportunities, women will change not only their own lives but also the fortunes of the nation. An empowered woman builds an empowered nation.

Word count: 310 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: What is empowerment): quotation hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Current conditions of women): both sides of the picture.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Areas where women are struggling: education, financial independence): the first two areas.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: ... health and politics): the other two areas.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Measures required to restore women to a respectable status): solutions with Pakistani examples.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Future prospects): role models, future hope, strong last line.

The Most Beautiful Place on Earth

John Keats wrote, "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever." Whenever I remember the Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, I understand those words. I have seen many lovely places, but for me, Hunza is the most beautiful place on earth.

Hunza lies in the far north of Pakistan along the Karakoram Highway, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. Its main towns, Karimabad and Aliabad, sit on terraced slopes above the Hunza River. The valley can be reached by road from Islamabad in about two days.

The physical features of Hunza are breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks such as Rakaposhi and Ultar tower over green fields and orchards of apricots, cherries and apples. In spring, the whole valley turns pink and white with blossoms. Further up the valley lies Attabad Lake, whose turquoise water shines like a precious stone.

The atmosphere and environment are peaceful and pure. The air is crisp, the streams are crystal-clear, and the silence is broken only by the sound of water and birds. The cultural and human elements are equally charming. The people are educated, polite and hospitable, and they speak languages such as Burushaski and Wakhi. Ancient forts like Baltit and Altit tell stories of the old rulers of Hunza, the Mirs.

When I visited Hunza with my family, I stood on the terrace of Baltit Fort at sunset and watched Rakaposhi turn golden and then pink. At that moment, I forgot the noise and stress of city life. I felt calm, grateful and closer to my Creator.

In conclusion, Hunza is a gift of nature and a jewel of Pakistan. Its future depends on responsible tourism. If visitors keep it clean and the government protects its environment, this paradise will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Word count: 295 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): quotation hook (Keats), the place named, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: General Description): where it is and how to reach it.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Physical Features): sight details, from the peaks down to the lake.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Atmosphere and Environment ... Cultural and Human Elements): sound, touch and people.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Personal Experience/Feelings): one moment, described with feeling.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, responsible tourism, strong last line.

Digital Literacy and Economic Empowerment

In the twenty-first century, a smartphone can be a shop, a classroom and an office at the same time. Digital literacy is the ability to use digital devices and the internet to find, judge, create and share information safely and wisely. It includes skills such as using email, searching online, protecting personal data and spotting fake news. Today, digital literacy has become a key to economic empowerment.

However, a wide digital gap still exists in Pakistan. Many people in rural areas cannot afford smartphones or reliable internet, and women are far less likely than men to use mobile internet. Closing this gap means providing cheap internet, computer labs in schools and basic training for those left behind. Without these steps, technology will make the rich richer and leave the poor further behind.

Once the gap is closed, the global marketplace opens its doors. A young graduate in Multan can design logos for a company in London, and a woman in Swat can sell handmade shawls to customers all over the country through online stores. Pakistan has already become one of the fastest-growing freelance markets in the world. In this way, digital skills turn talent into income without the need to migrate.

Both government and private initiatives are helping. The government's DigiSkills.pk programme has trained large numbers of young people in freelancing, graphic design and digital marketing free of cost. Software technology parks and national incubation centres support new start-ups. Private companies and universities also offer online courses, while e-commerce platforms such as Daraz allow small sellers to reach millions of customers.

In conclusion, digital literacy is no longer a luxury; it is a basic survival skill. If every young Pakistani learns to use technology productively, the country can increase its IT exports, reduce unemployment and empower women and villagers alike. A digitally literate nation is an economically strong nation.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Defining Digital Literacy): striking statement hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Closing the gap): the digital divide and how to close it.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: The Global Marketplace): how digital skills earn money, with Pakistani examples.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Government & Private initiatives): named programmes on both sides.
5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion (outline: Future Prospects/Conclusion): restated thesis, future benefits, strong last line.

Drug Addiction among Youth

Drug addiction is a slow poison that destroys the addict, the family and the nation. According to a UNODC survey published in 2013, about 6.7 million Pakistanis use drugs, and many of them are young. Drug addiction among youth is therefore a serious threat to Pakistan's future.

There are many causes of this evil. Peer pressure and curiosity lead many young people to try drugs for the first time. Others turn to drugs to escape stress, family problems, unemployment or exam pressure. The easy availability of drugs, including "ice", near some schools and colleges makes the problem worse.

Drugs have terrible effects on physical and mental health. They damage the brain, lungs, heart and liver, and shared needles spread diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Mentally, addicts suffer from anxiety, depression, memory loss and mood swings. In severe cases, an overdose can cause death.

Addiction also ruins education and career. Addicted students lose interest in their studies, miss classes and fail examinations. Later, they cannot keep a steady job because they are unreliable and unhealthy. In this way, a bright future is exchanged for a moment of false pleasure.

The social and economic consequences are equally serious. Addicts often turn to theft and crime to pay for drugs, and their families suffer shame, conflict and financial ruin. The state spends large sums on treatment and law enforcement, while the nation loses productive young workers.

Preventive measures must begin at home. Parents should give time to their children and notice changes in their behaviour. Schools should teach drug education and refusal skills. The Anti-Narcotics Force must cut off the supply, and affordable rehabilitation centres should treat addicts as patients, not criminals.

In conclusion, drug addiction is a preventable disaster. If families, schools, the media and the state work together, Pakistan's youth can be saved from this menace. A drug-free youth will build a healthy, strong and prosperous Pakistan.

Word count: 317 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): striking fact hook (UNODC survey), thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Causes): four causes.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Adverse effects on Physical and Mental Health): body first, then mind.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Impact on Education and Career): studies first, then jobs.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Social and Economic consequences): family, society, state.
6. Paragraph 6: Body 5 (outline: Preventive measures and solution): home, school, state.
7. Paragraph 7: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, joint effort, strong last line.

The Role of Education in National Progress

Nelson Mandela called education "the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Education is not merely reading books and passing examinations; it is the process that trains the mind, builds character and prepares people for life. No nation in history has progressed without it.

The importance of education can hardly be overstated. Islam makes seeking knowledge a duty for every Muslim, and the first word revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was "Iqra", which means "Read". Education teaches people to think clearly, earn a respectable living and know their rights and duties.

Teachers are the architects of civilization. Just as a builder shapes bricks into a building, a teacher shapes young minds into responsible citizens. Great civilizations, from Baghdad in the age of the Abbasids to modern Europe, rose on the work of scholars and teachers. When teachers are respected and well trained, society flourishes.

Every nation needs educated doctors, engineers, scientists and honest leaders, and only education can provide them. Education brings moral development by teaching honesty, tolerance and discipline. It brings social development by reducing crime, poverty and discrimination. It also drives technical development, because modern industry, agriculture and information technology all depend on trained minds.

The impact of education on the fortunes of nations is clear from history. Japan was ruined in the Second World War, yet it became an economic giant by investing in education and technology. South Korea, once one of the poorest countries in Asia, followed the same path. On the other hand, nations with low literacy remain trapped in poverty and dependence.

In conclusion, education is the backbone of national progress. Pakistan, where the literacy rate is still only about sixty percent, must spend more on schools, teachers and technical training. The Constitution promises free education to every child from five to sixteen. If we keep this promise, we will build a strong and prosperous nation.

Word count: 317 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): quotation hook (Mandela), definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Importance of education): religious and practical importance.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Teacher and civilization): the teacher's role, with a historical example.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Need of a nation ... Moral, social and technical development): what a nation needs, then the three kinds of development.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Impact of education on the fortunes of nations): evidence from Japan and South Korea, then the contrast.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion): restated thesis, what Pakistan must do, strong last line.

Rural vs Urban Life

Pakistan lives in two worlds: the quiet villages of Punjab and Sindh, and the crowded cities of Karachi and Lahore. Rural life is life in villages, close to fields and nature, while urban life is life in cities, close to markets and modern facilities. A fair comparison shows that each has its own charms and problems.

The lifestyles of the two are very different. Villagers rise early, work in the fields and sleep soon after sunset. Their life is simple and tied to the seasons. City dwellers, on the other hand, live by the clock. They rush to offices, spend hours in traffic and often stay awake late.

There is also a wide difference in living standards. Cities offer better hospitals, universities and clean drinking water, while many villages still lack these basic facilities. Economic life follows the same pattern. Most villagers depend on farming, and their income rises and falls with the weather. Cities offer a variety of jobs, although living costs are much higher.

Yet rural life has its own attraction. The air is fresh, the food is pure, and the green fields soothe the eyes. People know one another, share each other's joys and sorrows, and live with strong family bonds. There is little noise, pollution or crime.

People move to cities for several reasons. The main attractions are jobs, better schools and modern health care. Floods and small landholdings also push farmers out of their villages. According to the 2023 census, nearly two out of five Pakistanis now live in urban areas, and cities keep growing.

In conclusion, both rural and urban life have advantages and disadvantages. The best solution is to bring city facilities such as schools, hospitals and small industries to the villages, so that people do not have to leave their homes. Balanced development of villages and cities will make Pakistan truly prosperous.

Word count: 310 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): striking statement hook, the two terms defined, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Comparison of life styles): village routine against city routine.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Difference of living standards ... Economic life): facilities first, then income.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: attraction in rural life): what villages do better.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Why people move to cities?): push and pull reasons, census evidence.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: conclusion): balanced view, solution, strong last line.

To: The Director, Prices Regulatory Authority, Islamabad

From: A.B.C., Analyst, Prices Regulatory Authority

Date: 12 March 2026

Subject: Report on the rising prices of eatables during Ramadan

1. Introduction

As directed by you, I investigated the rise in the prices of eatables during the holy month of Ramadan. I visited wholesale markets, retail shops and Ramadan bazaars in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, compared current prices with those of the previous month, and interviewed shopkeepers, wholesalers and consumers. My findings are given below.

2. Importance of the holy month of Ramadan and fasting

Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, which teaches self-control, patience and sympathy for the poor. It is a month of worship, charity and sharing. Because of sehri and iftar, the demand for dates, fruit, flour, gram flour, sugar and cooking oil rises sharply.

3. Increased prices of goods, especially eatables

Prices rose sharply in the first week of Ramadan. Fruit, dates, tomatoes, onions, chicken and gram flour were the most affected, and some items cost 30 to 50 percent more than a month earlier. Many shops did not display the official price list, and some shopkeepers charged different customers different prices.

4. Hoarding of eatables to create an artificial shortage

Several wholesalers had stored large quantities of sugar, flour, gram flour and dates in godowns before Ramadan. They released small amounts into the market to create an artificial shortage and then sold at higher rates. Weak and irregular checking by price magistrates encouraged this practice.

5. Conclusion

The rise in prices is caused less by a real shortage than by profiteering and hoarding. It hurts low-income and middle-class families most and goes against the very spirit of Ramadan.

6. Suggestions to control prices during Ramadan

1. Price magistrates should make daily surprise visits and fine or seal shops that overcharge.
2. Official price lists should be displayed in every shop and announced daily in the media.
3. Godowns should be inspected before Ramadan, and hoarded stock should be seized under the law.
4. Government Ramadan bazaars should sell essential items at subsidised rates.
5. A helpline should be provided so that consumers can report overcharging immediately.
6. Religious scholars and the media should remind traders that profiteering in Ramadan is a sin.

A.B.C.

Analyst, Prices Regulatory Authority

My Native Town

Every person carries a small piece of home in the heart. For me, that home is Abbottabad, a green and peaceful town in the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was founded in 1853 and named after James Abbott, a British officer. Although I now study in Islamabad, my heart still belongs to my native town.

Abbottabad lies in a wide valley surrounded by pine-covered hills, and its climate is pleasant for most of the year. Summers are mild, and winters sometimes bring snow. Its famous landmarks include Shimla Hill, which offers a view of the whole town, the Ilyasi Mosque with its natural spring, and the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, which trains the officers of our army.

I have many sweet memories of this town. As a child, I climbed Shimla Hill with my cousins every Eid and raced them to the top. On rainy evenings, my father took us to the Ilyasi Mosque, where we ate hot pakoras beside the cold, clear stream. These small moments still bring a smile to my face.

The people of Abbottabad are simple, hospitable and hard-working. Most of them speak Hindko, and they welcome guests with warm tea and generous meals. The town is also known for its good schools and colleges, so education is valued in almost every home.

Over the years, Abbottabad has changed a great deal. The Hazara Motorway has made travel faster, and new markets, restaurants and housing schemes have appeared. However, heavy traffic, the cutting of trees and rising pollution have taken away some of its old charm.

In conclusion, Abbottabad is special to me because of its natural beauty, its kind people and the happy memories of my childhood. I hope its forests and streams will be protected for the next generation. Wherever I go, it will remain the place my heart calls home.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction of your native town): hook, name, location, one fact, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: physical features, places of interest / landmarks): setting and climate, then three landmarks.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: your past memories associated with the town): two specific memories.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: people and culture): language, hospitality, values.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: changes over the years): good changes, then bad ones.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: summarizing what makes your native town so special and memorable to you): three reasons, strong last line.

Uses and Abuses of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning and understanding language. From the voice assistants in our phones to tools like ChatGPT, AI has entered almost every part of modern life. Like every powerful invention, however, it can be used for great good or for serious harm.

The uses of AI are many. In healthcare, AI systems can read X-rays and scans quickly and help doctors detect diseases such as cancer at an early stage. In business, AI helps banks detect fraud, answers customers round the clock and predicts what people will buy. In education, AI tutors can explain difficult lessons at each student's own pace. Farmers can even use AI-based apps to identify crop diseases.

On the other hand, AI brings serious dangers. Machines may replace workers in offices, factories and call centres, causing job loss. AI systems collect huge amounts of personal data, which raises privacy issues. There are also ethical concerns: deepfake videos can spread lies, students may use AI to cheat, and biased programmes can treat people unfairly. Stephen Hawking even warned that full artificial intelligence "could spell the end of the human race".

These concerns can be addressed with wise planning. Governments should make laws to protect personal data and punish the misuse of AI, as the European Union has done through its AI Act. Pakistan took a step in this direction by approving its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy in 2025. Workers should be retrained in new digital skills, and students must learn to use AI honestly, as a helper rather than a replacement for thinking.

In conclusion, AI is neither a blessing nor a curse in itself; everything depends on how we use it. With responsible use, clear regulation and human values at its centre, AI can become one of the greatest servants of mankind.

Word count: 316 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: AI and its significance): definition, everyday examples, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Benefits in healthcare, business, education): one example for each field named in the outline.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Job loss, privacy issues, ethical concerns): the three abuses in the outline's order, a quotation as evidence.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Addressing concerns and proposing solutions): laws, retraining, honest use.
5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion (outline: Emphasizing responsible use and regulation of AI): restated thesis, strong last line.