Youth, Development and Leadership: in conversation with Jam Ahsan Jokhio

1. No. 1: Please introduce yourself to our audience.

Answer: I am Jam Ahsan Jokhio, currently serving as the Chairman of the Town Committee Gharo. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom but with online affiliation TMUC Karachi.  I went army Public School, which instilled discipline, responsibility, and a broad perspective on life. I come from a family with a strong political background.

2025. No. 2: You graduated online from UK-Affiliated University in 2025. How has studying abroad changed your perspective on leadership and public service?

Answer: Yes, of course. Studying from this educational institution played a significant role in shaping my perspective on leadership and public service. It taught me the importance of humanistic values, respect for diversity, accountability, and political maturity. I learned that true leadership is not about authority alone—it is about serving people with integrity, listening to different viewpoints, and making decisions that benefit the wider community. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to transparent, inclusive, and responsible public service.

1. No. 3: Many talented young people choose careers abroad. Why did you decide to return and serve Gharo?

Answer: I have always had a political mindset and a strong desire to serve the public. For me, politics is about bringing positive change to people’s lives. Although I had opportunities abroad but due to covid-19 I had to pause, I believed that the true value of education is reflected in how you use it to serve your own community. That is why I chose to return to Gharo—to contribute to its development, address local challenges, and work for the welfare of its people.

1. No. 4: How do you balance traditional leadership with the expectations of modern democratic politics?

Answer: I believe in the principles of modern democratic politics, while also recognizing the value of experience and wisdom passed down through traditional leadership. I always seek guidance and insights from my elders, as their experience offers important lessons. At the same time, being part of Generation Z, I see challenges and opportunities from a fresh perspective. I believe the best leadership comes from combining the strengths of both approaches—respecting tradition while embracing innovation, inclusivity, and accountability for the prosperity of our community.

1. No. 6: What values define your leadership style?

Answer: I believe in a liberal and people-centered style of leadership. For me, leadership begins with listening. Everyone deserves to be heard without prejudice or judgment, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe every concern should be taken seriously and addressed to the best of our ability. A good leader is someone who listens first, understands the problem, and then works honestly and fairly to find practical solutions.

1. No. 7: What makes you different from traditional politicians?

Answer: I try to approach politics in a practical and people-centered way. I do not judge people based on whether they voted for me or not. I believe every citizen deserves equal respect and attention. I also strongly encourage youth participation and gender inclusiveness because I believe good governance is only possible when everyone has a voice. My focus is on solving problems, building trust, and creating opportunities for all, rather than practicing politics based on division or personal interests.

1. No. 8: What are the three biggest problems facing Gharo today?

Answer: The three biggest challenges facing Gharo today are sanitation, water drainage, and the lack of development funds. Poor sanitation and inadequate drainage affect public health and daily life, especially during the rainy season. At the same time, limited development funding slows down essential infrastructure projects and the delivery of basic public services. Addressing these issues is my top priority, and I am committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to find practical and sustainable solutions.

1. No. 9: Now that you have been elected Chairman of Town Committee Gharo, what were your first priorities?

Answer: One of my first priorities was to establish a digital library for the youth of Gharo, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on 14th August. I chose this date because it is Pakistan’s Independence Day, and I believe it is a meaningful occasion to dedicate a project that promotes education and knowledge.

Another priority has been reducing encroachments and improving basic civic services. We have installed dustbins in different areas, but I believe infrastructure alone is not enough. Civic sense and public awareness are equally important. Real development comes when both the local government and the community work together. That is why I place great importance on public awareness and community participation alongside physical development.

1. No. 10: What is your long-term vision for Gharo over the next five to ten years?

Answer: My long-term vision is to transform Gharo into a clean, well-planned, and progressive town. I want Gharo to be free from sanitation problems, encroachments, and water drainage issues through sustainable urban planning and effective municipal services.

At the same time, I want digital education to become accessible to everyone. Our young people should have opportunities to learn artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills, and modern technologies so they can compete in the future economy. I believe the real development of Gharo will come from combining better civic infrastructure with quality education and innovation, creating opportunities for the next generation.

1. No. 11: Many young people are unemployed or leaving the area. What opportunities do you plan to create for them?

Answer: Gharo is emerging as an important industrial hub, with several companies establishing operations in and around the area. A good example is BYD, one of Asia’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, which is developing a major project near Gharo. This creates new employment opportunities for our youth.

I have personally met with company HR representatives to encourage local recruitment. At the same time, I am creating awareness among young people about professional platforms such as LinkedIn and guiding them on how to apply for jobs and prepare for modern careers. My goal is to ensure that the youth of Gharo are equipped with the skills, confidence, and digital knowledge needed to benefit from these opportunities. As a local government, we are committed to supporting and mentoring our young people so they can build successful careers close to home.

1. No. 12: What message do you have for educated youth who have lost faith in politics?

Answer: My message to educated young people is simple: do not lose faith in politics—become part of it. Every issue that affects our daily lives, whether it is education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure, or the economy, is connected to politics. If capable and honest young people stay away, they leave the space for others to make decisions on their behalf. I encourage the youth to participate, raise their voices, contribute their ideas, and help shape a better future. Real change begins when young people choose to engage rather than remain on the sidelines.

1. No. 13: How will you improve government schools in Gharo?

Answer: To be honest, I believe the education sector in Sindh has shown improvement in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. I regularly visit government schools to understand their needs and encourage both students and teachers. One of my highest priorities is bringing out-of-school children—especially girls—back into education. I believe every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background. Along with improving school facilities, I will continue supporting awareness campaigns and community engagement to increase enrolment and ensure that more children complete their education.

1. No. 14: Would you support digital education and vocational training for young people?

Answer: Absolutely. I strongly support digital education and vocational training because they are essential for preparing young people for today’s job market. I have already requested support from the Chief Minister of Sindh, and I am planning to establish a vocational training center for the youth of Gharo. The budget has been approved, and once the funds are released, we will establish the center under the Local Government. My goal is to equip young people with practical, digital, and technical skills so they can secure better employment opportunities and become financially independent.

1. No. 15: What are your plans regarding clean drinking water, sanitation, roads, and street lighting in Gharo?

Answer: We have already installed street lights in several areas, although more work remains to be done. In sanitation, we have a dedicated team that regularly monitors cleanliness and responds to public needs. Like many local governments, we face financial constraints, as a significant portion of our budget is allocated to salaries, while the remaining funds are used carefully for development and essential services. Despite these challenges, I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in every project. My priority is to use available resources efficiently while continuing to improve clean drinking water, sanitation, roads, and street lighting for the people of Gharo.

1. No. 16: Climate change is affecting coastal areas of Thatta. How should Gharo prepare for future environmental challenges?

Answer: Climate change is real, and its effects are already visible in coastal areas of Thatta. We must take this challenge seriously instead of treating it as a future problem. I believe one of the most effective steps is to protect our biodiversity, stop unnecessary deforestation, and plant more trees. At the same time, we should work to reduce emissions wherever possible and promote environmentally responsible practices.

As a community, we also need greater public awareness and better planning to build resilience against climate-related challenges such as extreme weather, flooding, and water scarcity. If we act responsibly today, we can protect our environment and leave a healthier Gharo for future generations..

1. No. :17 Some people say young leaders lack experience. How do you respond?

Answer: Experience is important, but so are energy, new ideas, and the willingness to learn. I respect the wisdom of senior leaders and believe young leaders can achieve the best results by combining experience with innovation and hard work.

1. No. : If after one year people feel disappointed with your performance, what should they expect from you?

Answer: They should expect honesty, accountability, and action. I will listen to their concerns, accept constructive criticism, and work even harder to correct my shortcomings. Public trust is earned through performance, and I will always remain answerable to the people.

1. No. 18: How would you like people to remember your leadership ten years from now?

Answer: I hope people remember me as a leader who served with honesty, humility, and dedication. If my leadership improves people’s lives, empowers the youth, strengthens education, and contributes to the development of Gharo, that will be my greatest achievement.

1. No. 19: Finally, if you had one minute to speak directly to the people of Gharo, what message would you give them?

Answer: My message to the people of Gharo is that this town belongs to all of us, and its future depends on our collective efforts. I ask you to stand with me in building a cleaner, more educated, and more developed Gharo. Respect public property, keep our town clean, educate your children, and take an active part in community affairs. My door will always remain open to every citizen, and I will continue to serve with honesty, transparency, and dedication. Together, we can build a better future for Gharo.