Growing up in Pakistan in the late 1980s and early 1990s was a unique experience—full of simplicity, warmth, and strong family values, yet marked by limitations that many of us did not fully understand at the time. As adults today, we often look back and realize how many opportunities quietly slipped away, not because we lacked talent or ambition, but because the environment around us was different from the one young people experience today.
One of the most significant opportunities we missed was access to early exposure to technology. While children now grow up with tablets, coding classes, and the internet at their fingertips, we were introduced to computers much later. Dial-up internet, limited computer labs, and costly mobile phones delayed our learning curve. Many of us discovered our interests—graphic design, software development, digital marketing, entrepreneurship—much later than we could have. Had we been given today’s digital opportunities earlier, our skills and careers might have taken entirely different directions.
Another opportunity that passed us by was career exploration. In those days, society guided us toward a narrow list of “respectable” professions: doctor, engineer, banker, or teacher. Creative fields were often dismissed, and unconventional ambitions were met with doubt. As a result, countless children buried their passion for art, writing, sports, music, or entrepreneurship simply because there was “no scope.” Today, the world celebrates freelancers, YouTubers, designers, athletes, and start-up founders. But back then, many of us didn’t even know these paths existed.
Growing up in the 90s also meant limited recreational and extracurricular opportunities. There were fewer sports academies, libraries, debate clubs, science fairs, and youth programs. Many parents were focused on discipline, studies, and practical responsibilities, leaving little room for exploration. We learned to be responsible early, but in the process, we missed chances to discover our natural talents and interests outside the classroom.
Social exposure was another area where opportunities faded unnoticed. In an era without social media or diverse cultural interactions, our world was smaller. We knew less about global trends, cultures, and ideas. While this protected our innocence, it also limited our worldview. Today, a child in Pakistan can learn from global platforms instantly, but those born in the late 80s and early 90s had to rely solely on what was available in their neighborhoods, schools, or television channels.
Perhaps the greatest opportunity we missed was the ability to freely express ourselves. Emotional awareness, mental health discussions, and personal boundaries were not topics people openly addressed. Many of us grew up believing that silence, obedience, and sacrifice were markers of good character. As adults, we now understand the importance of communication, emotional health, and individuality—concepts we had little access to while growing up.
Yet, in reflecting on these missed opportunities, it is also important to acknowledge the blessings we had. We grew up in a time of strong community connections, outdoor games, handwritten letters, real friendships, and meaningful family bonds—experiences that shaped our resilience and grounded our values. Our generation stands at the intersection of two worlds: the simple life of the past and the fast-paced digital age of today.
In the end, the opportunities we missed growing up in Pakistan were not failures—they were circumstances of a different time. They remind us that each generation has its own challenges and blessings. What matters now is how we use our experiences to guide the next generation, ensuring that they benefit from both the wisdom of our past and the endless opportunities of the future.
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