Those who can leave the country do so. On the verge of bankruptcy, Pakistan's moribund economy offers little hope for young job-seekers. Demographer Numan Ijaz estimates that over the past 20 years, as many as 40,000 professionals have migrated abroad. Those left behind without money or influence in this feudal society are veering to perilous extremes. Over the past 10 years, heroin consumption has doubled, primarily among teenagers.
Police records show the average age of murderers and bandits is dropping.
Many are left with bleak outlooks. After six years of strict Islamic upbringing, many of these teenagers are sent to Afghanistan for arms training. Then they either join the Taliban militia or go to fight the Indians in Kashmir. Fired by Islamic fervor, many want to bring the holy war back to Pakistan. They assassinate mullahs from rival Muslim sects and occasionally fire off guns during religious party rallies.