Editorial
Pakistan is home to over 64% youth under the age of 30 — a demographic gift that many developed countries can only dream of. Yet, despite this immense potential, the state of youth employment in Pakistan remains alarming. The government’s approach to job creation appears passive, fragmented, and insufficient for the scale of the challenge. In an era where economic stability depends on an active and skilled workforce, Pakistan simply cannot afford to leave its youth behind.
Unemployment among the youth is rising, not just because of economic constraints, but due to a lack of vision and systemic planning. While promises are often made in speeches and manifestos, there is little serious investment in the kind of infrastructure and ecosystem that can support sustainable youth employment. This goes beyond just “providing jobs” — it requires building a culture of employment, where skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity come together.
One of the most pressing gaps is the disconnect between education and the job market. A large portion of Pakistan’s youth earns degrees that fail to match the demands of a rapidly changing economy. The world is moving towards digital transformation, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and service economies. But our education system, particularly in public institutions, still operates on outdated models. There is an urgent need for skilled education, vocational training, and practical career counseling to bridge this gap. Without this, young people are left frustrated, directionless, and in some cases, driven toward negative influences.
The role of government here must be proactive and serious. It must focus on source management — not just in terms of financial resources, but human resources. This means mapping out national and regional skill demands, partnering with industries, and enabling young people to transition smoothly from education to employment. Additionally, promoting entrepreneurship through access to credit, mentorship, and startup support is essential to create a self-reliant youth economy.
A country that fails to invest in its youth fails its future. Pakistan must prioritize youth employment as a national emergency, not just a development goal. The future of our economy, social cohesion, and even democracy depends on how meaningfully we engage our youth today. It’s time for the government to go beyond rhetoric and start building an ecosystem where every young Pakistani can dream, work, and thrive.
