This study discusses challenges related to youth development in Pakistan. Youth bulge is an ever increasing global opportunity as well as a threat. Pakistan’s majority of population is youth. No doubt, youth is a resource but if left unutilized and ignored, it can be a challenge for a country. Youth in Pakistan is facing multiple challenges that hinder their endeavour for their own development as wellcountry’s wellbeing. The study discusses the nexus between youth and development; youth and variant forms of violence and youth and inclusive development and suggests creating and implementing effective youth policies with equal participation of young people as stakeholders. It is also recommended to create coordination among provinces of the country for the purpose of improving youth wellbeing. The current study adopts Galtung’s theoretical framework to study youth in peace and conflict paradigms and examine factors which may motivate youth to peace or violence under social, political and economic circumstances. The research follows both qualitative and quantitative methods to underpin the youth experiences, structural and policy gaps, inequalities and discrimination towards the target group. The study also uncovers the prejudiced practices that create violence against youth (predominantly female youth) and also negative youth development. The thesis also identifies factors which would promote positive youth development at community, social and national level like recognizing youth as an agency of change, enabling policy environment, provision of platforms and structures for youth engagement and participation. The research has come up with recommendations to lobby for a gender sensitive youth development, pro-culture and peoples friendly youth environment in Pakistan for promotion of national cohesion and statehood in Pakistani youth. Supervisor:- Prof. Dr. Usman Mustafa