By: Dr. Aqib Khan
Yes, I am talking about the social ambiance of district Mianwali where talented youth first specializes themselves in any hobby and then start gambling while indulging in that particular hobby and make it a prime source of their livelihood. Unfortunately, these gamblers become the idols of youth, and every youngster desires to emulate them in betting on volleyball or cricket sports. The number of educational and literate institutions in district Mianwali has seen a considerable increase over the last two decades. However, the tides of times have not changed here. The habit of gambling among youngsters has not died down, rather it is on the rise. Children between the ages of 16 and 20 who have a monthly household expenditure of Rs 20,000 gamble on a volleyball match for Rs 20k in one go. The same is true for youth playing Game of Cards. Our young generation seems to be raising their voices against corruption by pocketing gambling money. The number of youngsters betting on cricket matches has seen a multifold spike. These youngsters bet on different betting patterns throughout the televised cricket matches. There is a special type of betting what the betters called ‘fancy.’ Thought the name of the betting ‘fancy’, there is nothing fancy about it. Scores of youngsters lose their money and the money they extort from their families in days and turn themselves and their families bankrupt. Once the family in debt, there are slim chances they will ever come out of this vicious debt trap. Many youngsters who lose huge amounts through this social ill commit suicide. Why lures our youngsters these destructive gambling habits? I think everybody seeks to get easy money and get rich quickly.
Our youth who have succeeded in avoiding gambling activities, they have started gambling on pet animal and birds. Among them are the AseelMurgha, quail, pigeon, and horse.
All parents, especially those living in rural areas, should keep their young children away from such hobbies from their early childhood. This is the time when they get exposed to such societal ills. I think constant parental supervision in this critical phase of their life will prevent many would-be gamblers from falling to this trap.
Now,
Does the question arise how to keep children away from gambling?
I suggest following 10 things to engage your youth to distract them from gambling activities. These are as follows:
1. Create a habit of quality book reading in your children from an early age.
2. Mentorship should be done by inviting children at mosque, school and college levels.
3. Whether the child becomes a doctor or an engineer, from childhood he/she should be taught some skills which he/she should use for the betterment of society.
4. Every child should have the training to give first aid to an emergency patient.
5. Get your children in the habit of exercising such as running and cycling from a young age.
6. Ask your children to participate in helping welfare organizations.
7. Teach children e-employment and modern science skills that will sustain their livelihood throughout life.
8. This era is the era of the e-economy. Nurture your youth in such a way that they can become good freelancers.
9. Cultivate the habit of gardening in children.
10. Teach skills of doing Halal business from childhood, inform them about buying and selling various items.
Cut to the chase, May Allah Almighty help our young generation to save themselves from this deadly disease of gambling and earn Halal sustenance. Amen!
(The writer belongs to the teaching department at the University of Engineering and is working as an Assistant Professor)
