I am a 17-year-old who just finished a gruelling year of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) exams. I have a month and a half of vacation left, but I feel completely stuck. Earlier this year, I travelled abroad and the experience changed my perspective. I saw teenagers my age living with far greater independence — taking public transport, travelling between cities, cooking and enjoying everyday freedom.

Coming back home to Pakistan has been incredibly difficult. Suddenly, my world feels tiny. I have no pocket money, my parents are busy, I cannot go out on my own and any activity depends entirely on someone else driving me there. People keep suggesting hobbies such as baking, drawing or exercising, but they only occupy me briefly before boredom sets in.

I don’t want to spend my........

© Dawn (Magazines)