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Civic engagement among the youth: empirical evidence from Kashmir,

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Article in Humanomics · August 2016

DOI: 10.1108/H-12-2015-0077

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 Humanomics
Civic engagement among the youth: empirical evidence from Kashmir, Pakistan
Zain Rafique Suet Leng Khoo Muhammad Waqas Idrees
Article information:
To cite this document:
Zain Rafique Suet Leng Khoo Muhammad Waqas Idrees , (2016),"Civic engagement among the
youth: empirical evidence from Kashmir, Pakistan ", Humanomics, Vol. 32 Iss 3 pp. 376 - 388
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H
32,3
Civic engagement among the
youth: empirical evidence from
Kashmir, Pakistan
376 Zain Rafique
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Suet Leng Khoo
School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Penang, Malaysia, and
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Muhammad Waqas Idrees

Department of Government and Public Policy, National Defence University,
Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to examines the level of civic engagement among the youth of Kashmir,
Pakistan. The research examined three different aspects of civic engagement (i.e. civic sensitivity, civic
responsibility and level of collectivism (common-good) using 26 indicators. The study has applied a
mixed-method approach to inspect the relationship of variables with level of civic engagement.
Design/methodology/approach – A survey was designed and administered in all three districts of
Muzaffarabad division of Kashmir, Pakistan. Regression analysis, analysis of variance and correlation
were conducted to explore the level of civic engagement among youth.
Findings – The result indicates that the level of civic engagement among the youth of Kashmir has a
great potential for the enhancement of social capital, a pre-requisite for social, economic and democratic
development.
Originality/value – The work is 100 per cent original based on primary data.
Keywords Collectivism, Youth, Civic engagement, Civic responsibility, Civic sensitivity
Paper type Research paper

1. Introduction
In the developed societies, citizens are expected to take part in political and civic debates
and also in decision-making (Dalton, 2008). For the youth of today, the activities like
voting, working in political campaigns and letters to political representatives are not
appealing (Banaji, 2008). Many lament their desertion from political process (Peugny,
2009; Putnam, 2001). However, other scholars note down that civic engagement among
youth is not disappeared but changed its course from a classic dutiful voter to an
activist, wired and globally connected citizen of the present world (Banaji, 2008; Dalton,
Humanomics
2008; Lannegrand-Willems et al., 2012). Whereas, youth may express their distrust on
Vol. 32 No. 3, 2016
pp. 376-388
politicians and government officials (Bennett, 1997), but a substantial number of youth
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited around the world show their keen involvement in community activism (Ginwright,
0828-8666
DOI 10.1108/H-12-2015-0077 2011), volunteering (Andolina et al., 2003) or online debates on different social and
 political issues by using social networking applications such as text messaging Civic
reminders, social networking sites and online phone banks (Banaji, 2008). engagement
Thus, it can be assumed that civic engagement among youth embraces concepts
around youth organizing, youth empowerment, youth voice and youth participation. As
the framework of practice, participation of youth in civic engagement has involved the
impact and process of youth involved in and impacting institutions that are influencing
their lives (Checkoway and Richards-Schuster, 2006; McBride, 2008; Pritzker and 377
Metzger, 2011). This discusses the perspective that considers youth as the meaningful
societal contributors, as resources and as strengths (Nicotera, 2008). In additions, this
imparts societal issues and political knowledge among youth who normally do not
comprehend the significance of democratic values. If the youth have their concern in
societal issues, it can take part to solve the issues positively. But looking at civic
engagement specifically, till-date, there is no proper definition of it. But from the
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literature, it can be established that civic engagement is the duty of the citizen to take
responsibilities and feel it obligatory to participate when required, individually or along
with others (Diller, 2001). There is substantial literature on civic engagement at world
level ranging from cognitive civic skills to delivering civic virtues as real life experiences
with intent of promoting and upholding collective common good. But little has been
done in this context of developing the world in general and Pakistan in particular. The
literature reveals a scarcity of civic engagement research in Pakistan. Though the issues
of political participation, electoral process and social development are partially dealt
with, no comprehensive study is available with reference to Pakistan (Etra et al., 2008;
Dean, 2007). The situation in regard to Kashmir, Pakistan, is critical as the referred
literature is further limited.
According to the 1998 population census, the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir’s
population (focus area of study) was 2.973 million, mostly Muslims, projected to be 3.963
million in 2010. Predominantly rural area with the equal ratio of male and female have
youth aged between 18 and 25 years are likely to be 65 per cent of the total population
constituting a promising demographic dividend. This paper, therefore, is the
contribution of researchers to scarce literature, as it aims to investigate and analyze the
concept and practice of civic life among the young. Using 26 indicators of three variables
(Figure 1), civic sensitivity, civic responsibility and level of collectivism (common good),
this study has adopted a survey technique and conducted focused group interviews to
measure the level of civic engagement in the society. The paper further explored as to
how civic engagement could contribute to the effectiveness of the Government in
Kashmir, Pakistan.
In an overview, this paper is organized into five main sections. The section after the
introduction reviews conceptualization of the literature on civic engagement and then
attempts to justify the study. Section 3 briefly outlines the methodology, while Section 4
highlights and discusses key findings from this study. Section 5 concludes this paper by
suggesting pragmatic policy implications.

2. Literature review
Civic engagement constitutes a variety of definitions and civic forms (Hay, 2007;
Raynes-Goldie and Walker, 2008; Weissberg, 2005). To some extent, civic engagement
refers to the individual or collective involvement of citizens in addressing social issues.
Civic engagement has been defined as individual or collective behavior aimed at
 H
32,3
Civic Sensitivity

378
Civic Responsibility Civic

Engagement
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Figure 1. Common Good

Research setting:
level of civic
engagement Source: Prepared from University of Maryland (2005)

resolving social problems in the community (Gil de Zúñiga et al., 2012; Zukin et al., 2006),
while activism, according to Denning (2000, p. 15) is “[…] the use of the Internet in
support of an agenda or cause”. This includes online actions, such as posting materials
on a website, emails, using the internet to discuss issues and form coalitions and
coordinate activities for civic purposes. Based on these explanations, this study
considers the terms of civic engagement, activism and civic participation to be identical
in meaning and interchangeable in use, such as in the work by Kikuchi and Coleman
(2012). Civic engagement encompasses a variety of forms of political and nonpolitical
activities. Common forms of civic engagement include voting, attending community
meetings or functions, contributing ideas to social causes, contacting public officials,
attending protests, signing petitions and writing articles concerning community
matters. Drawing from popular definitions of civic engagement (Hay, 2007; Putnam,
2000; Raynes-Goldie and Walker, 2008; Shah et al., 2001), this study defines civic
engagement as the participation in any activity, individually or collectively, that is
aimed at addressing prevalent social problems in the context of social media usage.
An active civil society and civic engagement are widely accepted as critical to boost
the accountability of governments toward their citizens, to strengthen public policy
decisions and to increase the effectiveness of development interventions. Keeter et al.
(2002a, 2002b) listed 19 indicators under three variables: civic indicators, electoral
indicators and political indicators. The study is helpful in envisioning different
segments of engagement but not whole.
On the other hand, a previous study from the University of Maryland (2005)
elucidates civic engagement as acting upon a heightened sense of responsibility to one’s
communities. This definition includes developing civic sensitivity, participation in
building civil society and benefitting the common good, hence, adopted by the paper. In
addition, Adler and Goggin (2005) define civic engagement as the ways in which citizens
participate in the life of a community to improve conditions for others or to help shape
the community’s future. The present paper adopted the definition of University of
Maryland (2005) and has prepared a check list of 26 indicators like Keeter et al. (2002a,
 2002b) to examine the level of civic engagement among the youth of Kashmir. These Civic
indicators are positioned under three broader categories of civic sensitivity, civic engagement
responsibility and level of collectivism or common good (prepared from Putnam, 2000;
Kirlin and Kirlin, 2002; Keeter et al., 2002a, 2002b; University of Maryland, 2005; Adler
and Goggin, 2005; Jacoby, 2009; Lamm, 2009). Table I given below provides an overview
of these indicators.
Figure 1 gives the theoretical framework of the study. 379
Skocpol and Fiorina (1999) and Andolina (2002) discussed the research methods to
examine civic engagement and propounded that survey research is the frequently used
way to quantitatively assess civic engagement. They contend that survey research
methods are widely used in examining civic engagement; however, focus groups are
sometimes used to comprehend the qualitative information which order the content of
quantitative measures, as well as the direction and content of these measures. Hence, the
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paper has adopted both desirable techniques. As far as literature of civic engagement on
Pakistan is concerned, there is hardly any study on the research topic; however, the
Center for Civic Education, Pakistan (2010) and Conciliation Resources UK (CR) (2011)
have conducted studies on the social aspects of youth development, but these studies
have deliberated on the issue of civic engagement as merely cross references in their
discussions of political participation and impact of conflict on youth.

3. Methodology
As discussed earlier, the study has applied mixed-mode methods to examine the level of
civic engagement among youth. The qualitative methodology is based on focused group
discussions (FGDs), and the sample was drawn from three divisions of Muzaffarabad,
Kashmir, Pakistan, i.e. Muzaffarabad, Hattian and Neelum. The snow-ball sampling
technique was used with the following inclusion criteria to draw a sample: the age of the
participants was between 18 and 26 years residing in Kashmir. The youth understand

No. Category Indicators

1. Civic sensitivity Telling the truth, helping to make sure all people are
treated fairly, contributing to community and
society, assisting the people in need, contributing to
better the dwellings, feeling concerned about state
and local issues, thinking about a better tomorrow
2. Civic responsibility Contacting media, voting, vote for change,
contacting officials, protesting, political association,
charity, social/religious connectedness, virtual social
networking
3. Level of collectivism (Common good) Appraising democratic governance, civic
determination, perception about society at-large,
perception of general trust, appraising youth civic
engagement, resistance against injustice, form of
government, integrating identity into the socio-
political picture Table I.
Selected indicators to
Sources: Prepared from Putnam (2000), Kirlin and Kirlin (2002), Keeter et al. (2002), University of examine civic
Maryland (2005), Adler and Goggin (2005), Jacoby (2009) and Lamm (2009) engagement
 H the national language; hence, Urdu, the national language was used as a mean for
32,3 conversation. Gender participation was ensured. The information has been gathered in
the light of the dimensions of the study, and the FGDs has been analyzed with the help
of observation and perception, as there were minimal researchers’ interference, and
respondents’ viewpoints was comprehensively taken into consideration. Six FGDs were
conducted. The checklist for FGDs was developed based on 26 indicators to assess the
380 level of civic engagement among youth. The FGDs were transcribed, and the thematic
analysis was carried out subsequent to these discussions.
The study has also used quantitative approach based on survey method based on
primary data, gathered from the field through a comprehensive and well-designed
questionnaire and 26 indicators under three broad categories of civic sensitivity, civic
responsibility and level of collectivism or common good adopted from Putnam (2000),
Kirlin and Kirlin (2002), Keeter et al. (2002a, 2002b), University of Maryland (2005) and
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Adler and Goggin (2005).

The questionnaire was tested after designing and improved in the light of the pilot
test. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed among the sample population in all
the three districts of Muzaffarabad Division, AJK of Pakistan. The refined data have
been used for analysis purpose. Data collection is carried out in both rural and urban
areas of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Random sampling technique was applied in
stratified sample to dig out the required information for this study. Thereafter, 381 of
400 youth respondents’ responses were considered for statistical analysis. Finally, all
381 questionnaires were utilized for analysis purpose, which constitutes healthy
response rate of 95 per cent. The collected data through questionnaire were compiled
and analyzed using SPSS 21 to answer following hypotheses:
H1. Civic sensitivity has a positive relationship with civic engagement.
H2. Civic responsibility has a positive relationship with civic engagement.
H3. Common good has a positive relationship with civic engagement.

4. Results
Gender participation and rural– urban equal participation was ensured. Figure 2 given
below gives an overview of the gender and rural-urban population.

4.1 Regression analysis

We have run regression analysis of civic engagement on civic responsibility, civic
sensitivity and level of collectivism (common good). The equation is:

60
60
50
50
40
40 Urban
Male 30
30 Rural
Figure 2. Female 20
20
Gender participation 10
10
and rural– urban
equal participation 0 0
Gender Parcipaon Area-wise Background of Respondents
 Civic Engagement ⫽ f(Civic Responsibility, Civic Sensitivity, Civic
Level of Collectivism (Common Good) engagement
Civic Engagement ⫽ b1 ⫹ b2 * Civic _Responsibility
⫹ b3 * Civic _Sensitivity, ⫹b4 * Common _Good

4.2 Model summary 381

4.2.1 Adjusted R-square. Adjusted R-square measures the proportion of the variance in
the dependent variable (civic engagement) that was explained by variations in the
independent variables (civic sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good). In this
model, the “Adjusted R-square” shows that 44.8 per cent of the variance was explained.
4.2.2 R-square. R-square measures the proportion of the variation in the dependent
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variable (civic engagement) that was explained by variations in the independent

variables. In this model, the “R-square” tell us that 45 per cent of the variation (and not
the variance) was explained.
4.2.3 Standard error of estimate. Standard error of the estimate measures the
dispersion of the dependent variables estimate around its mean (in this model, the
“Standard error of the Estimate” is 9.23). Compare this to the mean of the “Predicted”
values of the dependent variable. If the standard error is more than 10 per cent of the
mean, it is high (Table II).

4.3 Analysis of variance

In general, the purpose of analysis of variance (ANOVA) is to test for significant
differences between means. ANOVA describes the goodness of fit. If Sig ⬍ 0.01, then the
model is significant at 99 per cent, if Sig ⬍ 0.05, then the model is significant at 95 per
cent, and if Sig ⬍ 0.1, the model is significant at 90 per cent. Significance implies that we
can accept the model. If Sig ⬎ 1, then the model was not significant (a relationship could
not be found) or “R-square is not significantly different from zero”. In the ANOVA
(Table III), last column shows the goodness of fit of the model. The lower this number,
the better the fitness of model. As we see, our “Sig” is lesser than 0.05, we conclude that
our model has fit the data.

4.4 Pearson correlation among variables

It shows correlation coefficient of every combination of variables: civic engagement,
civic sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good.
A correlation can only indicate the presence or absence of a relationship, not the
nature of the relationship. Correlation is not causation. There is always the possibility
that a third variable influenced the results. If we look at the correlation of civic
engagement with civic sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good, we see that

Standard error
Model R R2 Adjusted R2 of the estimate Durbin-Watson

1 0.672a 0.451 0.448 9.523 1.521

Notes: Predictors ⫽ (Constant), Civic_Responsibility, Civic_Sensitivity, Common_Good; dependent

a
Table II.
variable ⫽ Civic_Engagement Model summary
 H civic engagement has a moderate uphill (positive) relationship with civic sensitivity and
32,3 common good while a weak uphill (positive) linear relationship with civic responsibility.
In the same way, if we look at the correlation of civic sensitivity with civic engagement,
civic responsibility and common good, we see that civic sensitivity has a moderate
uphill (positive) relationship with civic sensitivity, civic sensitivity and common good.
If we look at the correlation of civic responsibility with civic engagement, civic
382 sensitivity and common good, it is noticed that civic responsibility has a moderate uphill
(positive) relationship with civic sensitivity and common good while a weak uphill
(positive) linear relationship with civic engagement; meanwhile, it can be observed that
common good has a moderate uphill (positive) relationship with civic sensitivity, civic
sensitivity and civic engagement.
In a nutshell, the results from Pearson correlation analysis showed that civic
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sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good have a significant positive

relationship with civic engagement among youth (Table IV).

Model Sum of squares df Mean square F Significance

1 Regression 44,445.284 3 14,815.095 163.352

Residual 54,053.889 596 90.694
Total 98,499.173 599

Table III. Notes: Predictors ⫽ (Constant), Civic_Responsibility, Civic_Sensitivity, Common_Good; dependent

ANOVA variable ⫽ Civic_Engagement

Civic_Engagement Civic_Sensitivity Civic_Responsibility Common_Good

Civic_Engagement
Pearson correlation 1 0.575** 0.391** 0.586**
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.000 0.000
N 381 381 381 381
Civic_Sensitivity
Pearson correlation 0.575** 1 0.510** 0.496**
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.000 0.000
N 381 381 381 381
Civic_Responsibility
Pearson correlation 0.391** 0.510** 1 0.513**
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.000 0.000
N 381 381 381 381
Common_Good
Pearson correlation 0.586** 0.496** 0.513** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.000 0.000
N 381 381 381 381
Table IV.
Correlations Note: ** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)
 4.5 Focused group discussions Civic
The aim of these FGDs was to assess the variations and to substantiate the different engagement
dimensions of civic engagement. Diverse groups of youth participated in the discussions
and helped the researcher to attain perceptions in permissive and nonthreatening
settings and to add affluence to the data collected. The researcher emphasized on the
interest in the voices of youth throughout the focused group discourse. The views were
almost congruent to the survey findings. 383
The paper has analyzed the FGDs in the context of the dimensions of civic
engagement.
4.5.1 Theme A: civic sensitivity. The youth of AJK is civically sensitized to the
phenomenon of being engaged. There was a general consensus on the aspects, which
involved individual engagement or aspiration with respect to civic engagement.
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Majority of the participants in the FGDs expressed empathy and concern for making
contributions to better their communities. The views were supportive of each other. The
youth, in both urban and rural areas of AJK, is acquainted with civic norms and values
of social cohesion. The discussions endorsed several statistical findings. The focus
group revolved around the basic contours of civic engagement which include speaking
truth, helping others, contributing to make one’s community better, fair treatment of
others around, assisting the needy and being concerned about state and local issues. The
issues were deeply appreciated and upheld by the young people as good moral values in
FGDs.
The cognitions of Kashmiri youth are very positive, and every individual has a
heightened sense of being active as many participants reinforced that they think
about doing things that can be beneficial for people in future. The female youth in
AJK has also a very good understanding of the social issues. Almost all the females
positively upheld the civic virtues as pre-requisites of smooth family and
community life.
4.5.2 Theme B: civic responsibility. The substance of civic responsibility is vital to the
success of democracy. By virtue of civic responsibility, citizens guarantee and endorse
firm democratic values. The youth of AJK, in the sphere of civic responsibility, are
engaged at a very low level, reflecting a paradox between sensitivity and responsibility
in civic affairs.
The youth in all three districts of the Muzaffarabad Division, was found to be
reluctant when it comes to putting cognitions into concrete actions. A considerable
nonvoting trend coupled with a considerable pessimism about the fact that voting
process nurtures socio-political change was very prominent in the focused group
discourse. Surprisingly, there was not a single young male in all the three FGDs who had
contacted media or any official platform over any civic, political or any other issue
regarding their community; however, there were few females who stated that they do
make contacts to media platforms to discuss various civic or gender issues but have not
made any contact with any official authority because of cultural barriers and gender
sensitivity. However, it reflects more vigilance on the part of the females when compared
with males. One uneducated young person said that they do not contact any media or
government platform because there is no use of yelling when nobody shows willingness
to pay attention to uneducated people.
One interesting finding that came to surface was that the uneducated youth,
present in discussions at all three places said they have social groupings based on
 H their nature of skills and work. They form groups to manage a “Committee System”
32,3 which implies combining small amounts of money in a group of 10-15 people and
then dispersing it through a Lucky Draw system, which suffices to their domestic or
small personal needs. Males and females both do so. Youth in Muzaffarabad also
reported their affiliations in sports, especially football clubs, by virtue of which they
perform blood donation services on volunteer basis, as well as being members of a
384 football community allows regular interaction and information. This sketched a
beautiful humane integration and a well-digested civic responsibility at people to
people level in AJK, which perhaps, is not noticed in intellectual pursuits for
promoting integration in society. Facebooking is not a very popular trend among the
young of AJK, and FGDs endorsed the fact that only a very small proportion of
youth is socially connected through virtual networking sites and portals. Though,
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one of the important reasons is low technological advancement, as expressed by the

youth at large. There are no digital communication servers in District Neelum and
Hattian which could facilitate internet connections.
The aspects of voting and political association were discussed in detail. Only a few
participants were found to be associated with political parties and campaigning.
Participants of the focused groups considered voting as an important civic
responsibility but also expressed reservations. Voting process is hijacked by the bradri
and political influence of the political actors which restrains transparent voting
outcomes. However, while male participants expressed anger and anguish toward
politics, the female youth had some very positive orientations about reforming political
culture instead of rejecting it. The FGD at Muzaffarabad had a heated environment over
the issue of political association. The female youth in Muzaffarabad District,
categorically favored peaceful initiatives against protest and violent means of
registering voice or public demand for change. The male youth complaints about being
unheard and kept ignored by the political leadership. Trust on political institutions is
very low among the youth of AJK, and it seems as if these young citizens in AJK have
spotted that they are unable to feel themselves as a collective whole and they seem to be
withdrawing toward their own life world. This feeling seems to restrict the discharge of
civic responsibilities at large.
4.5.3 Theme C: common good. Common good implies social conditions and settings
which allow groups and individuals, a meticulous access to their own utility. Therefore,
common good can be comprehended on the basis of social systems, institutions and
environments on which everyone depends on working in a manner that benefit and
befits all.
The FGDs revealed that youth in AJK propound to the notion of common good. The
youth in AJK conforms to the significance of engaged citizenry and also appraises the
fruits of democratic government. They are watchful of their civic liberty of expression
and resistance against injustice for the benefit of all. The youth in AJK is proponent of
democracy and showed great aspirations for the nascent democracy in Pakistan. Youth
in AJK believed democracy to be the torch bearer for greater public voice, participation,
effectiveness and accountability of the governments. The youth shows great
commitment to resistance against injustices, may they be in the form of protests or
peaceful dialogues.
Various reasons and comments included notions of justice, equality before law, equal
opportunity and welfare. Participants outwardly supported democracy, showing
 excitement and great enthusiasm for nurturing the nascent democracy. A great majority Civic
was of the view that democracy is the only way which could foster global citizenship. engagement
5. Conclusion
The purpose of this study was to explore the level of civic engagement among youth and
examine the influence of civic sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good on civic
engagement. The results from regression and correlation analysis showed that civic 385
sensitivity, civic responsibility and common good have a significant positive
relationship with civic engagement for all youth. Participation of citizens in political
decision-making is a core conception of functioning democracies. Civil society has,
therefore, immensely essential role to play within democracies. An effervescent civil
society is considered as prerequisite to go further than “formal” democracies, to
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accomplish long-lasting attitude changes and to overcome resistance by former,

undemocratic leaders and elites.
The dissection of civic sensitivity reveals that the youth of AJK, in their personal
individual capacities, are civically sensitive as an overwhelming majority of the
respondents who were inquired through questionnaires and FGDs at three different and
distant places are confidently believed to know the civic virtues and having a belief in
them.
The assessment of civic responsibility revealed that in general forms of action
that involved working collectively, the youth are less indulged than those that could
be carried out by individuals. Only a small proportion of youth said they belong to
or campaign for any political organization or had contacted officials and the same
had contacted newspaper or radio, over a public issue in the previous 12 months. A
significant number reported nonvoting coupled with a very bleak expectation for
change through vote. A large majority is not on the virtual engagement grounds as
majority does not belong to Facebook groups, despite being aware of the technology.
The young people in AJK by and large do not belong to any social or religious groups
as only small portion of youth reported to be engaged in sporting clubs or charity
institutions or in religious associations. However, youth in general, is visibly
skeptic, full of doubts for society and government they dwell in and under,
reactionary and very less trusting of each other. The youth chooses to launch
protests and resistances, but keep themselves away from connected or engaged
efforts. Analysis of the collective dimension of civic engagement revealed some
interesting results. The youth in AJK, in majority, does not believe the society of
AJK to be fair and just. They feel that there are not many equal opportunities for
youth to ensure their progression. Youth is away from political connectedness, as
they show discontent and dissatisfaction upon the legitimacy of political dynamism.
The youth does not feel itself integrated in a larger whole where engaged efforts can
lead to societal prosperity.
The youth of AJK is aspirant of democratic values and conforms to the constructs
of common good and collectivism. The youth in AJK believes in the products of
democracy and considers them vitally important for the growth and progression of
society.
The study concludes that the youth in AJK is well acquainted with components of
civic sensitivity and collectivism. However, civic responsibility is low[1] among the
youth of AJK, as the study reveals that intent and sensitivity are hindered by prevalent
 H feelings of mistrust toward government and fellow beings, which refrain youth from
32,3 performing civic virtues practically.

5.1 Policy recommendations

On the basis of the results, this study makes the following policy recommends:
• promotion of human values of mutual respect, harmony and justice among the
386 youth of AJK to glisten civic responsibility;
• reviving a sense of trust and ownership on the public institutions and their
functionaries;
• promotion of democratic values of pluralistic common good;
• egging on youth engagement in electoral process;
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• fostering political empowerment of youth through gender friendly and student

centric unions;
• establishment of youth forums at district level where the youth can be engaged on
social, economic and political grounds;
• make adequate arrangements for entrepreneurial opportunities for skilled youth;
• sensitization of teachers and parents for positive youth development; and
• a Youth Commission at the state level, comprising relevant government
departments, youth organizations, political parties, civil society, academia and
media for consistent positive development of youth in AJK.
Note
1. In a researcher’s personal view, it may carefully be called “Raw state of Civic Engagement”.

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knowledge into engagement and action”, Canadian Policy Research Networks, Ottawa.
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all have an attribute in common: a comparison of estimators”, Applied Psychological
Measurement, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 121-144.

Corresponding author
Zain Rafique can be contacted at: zainrfq@gmail.com

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