Просмотр новости
Найдите то, что Вас интересует
Спутники
РН
SpaceX
Роскосмос
NASA
СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAPakistan has a large youth population, with 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey 2024-25. The age group accounts for 18.5% of the country’s total population and 25.8% of its working-age population. This large pool of young people can be one of Pakistan’s greatest strengths.
Young people bring energy, creativity, ambition and new ideas. They can drive businesses, support industries and contribute to economic growth. However, when millions struggle to find decent and stable employment, this advantage can quickly become a serious economic and social challenge.
The latest figures show why the issue needs immediate attention. Pakistan’s overall unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in 2024-25, while the labour force participation rate stood at 46.3%. More concerning is the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, known as NEET.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics estimates that 28.4% of the people aged 15 to 24 fell into this category in 2024-25. The situation is particularly worrisome for young women, with 45.4% classified as NEET, compared with 13% of young men.
For many young Pakistanis, completing education no longer guarantees a job. Every year, universities, colleges, technical institutes and schools produce thousands of graduates and skilled workers. Yet, the economy is not creating enough quality jobs to absorb them.
Many graduates spend months or even years searching for work. Others accept jobs unrelated to their education and skills, often for salaries that are too low to meet rising living costs. Many are pushed into informal work, where employment is uncertain and workers often receive few protections or benefits.
Another major problem is the gap between education and the requirements of the job market. Pakistan has many talented and educated young people, but a significant number lack practical skills that employers need.
Universities often focus heavily on theoretical learning, while businesses increasingly require digital skills, communication, technical knowledge, problem-solving and practical experience. This mismatch leaves young people struggling to find work, while employers may struggle to find suitable workers.
Economic conditions also play a major role. Pakistan has faced periods of slow growth, high inflation, political uncertainty and financial pressure. When businesses face rising costs, expensive energy, weak consumer demand and uncertainty, they become less willing to expand and hire. Small and medium-sized businesses, which have strong potential to create jobs, are particularly vulnerable.
Pakistan’s economy recorded provisional growth of 3.7% in 2025-26, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. While growth is important, the country needs stronger and more job-rich economic expansion to keep pace with its growing working-age population. Economic growth that does not create sufficient employment will do little to solve the problem of youth unemployment.
Inflation makes the situation even more difficult. A young person may have a job but still struggle to support themselves if wages do not keep pace with the cost of living. Food, housing, transport, education and healthcare place heavy pressure on families. Low-paid jobs provide little financial security and can leave young workers dependent on their parents for longer.
Youth unemployment also affects families. In Pakistan, young people are often expected to contribute financially after completing their education. When they cannot find work, families may have to support them for years. This can create frustration and disappointment. Young people who have spent years studying may feel that their efforts have not produced the future they expected. Long periods without work can also reduce confidence and hope.
The wider economy pays an even greater price. An unemployed young person represents lost productive potential. The country loses the goods, services, ideas, business activity and tax revenue that a person could have generated. If large numbers of young people remain outside productive employment for years, Pakistan risks wasting a significant part of its human capital.
Unemployment is also linked to migration. Many educated and skilled Pakistanis look abroad for better opportunities. Higher wages and stronger career prospects in the Gulf, Europe, North America and other regions attract doctors, engineers, IT professionals, technicians and other skilled workers. Migration brings valuable remittances, but the continued departure of skilled workers can also weaken the country’s domestic workforce.
Pakistan still has an opportunity to turn its youth population into an economic advantage. The country has talent, ambition and a growing pool of potential workers. What is needed is a stronger system for turning these qualities into productive employment.
The digital economy offers an important opportunity. Pakistan has a large number of young people interested in freelancing, software development, digital marketing, e-commerce and other online professions. The latest Household Integrated Economic Survey shows that 57% of the population was using the internet in 2024-25.
With better digital training, reliable internet access, and easier access to international markets, more young people could earn income through the global digital economy.
Entrepreneurship can also help create jobs. Pakistan needs young people who can build businesses rather than only look for employment. However, young entrepreneurs often face difficulties in obtaining finance, dealing with regulations, finding reliable infrastructure and gaining business experience. Easier access to small-business loans, training and mentorship could help young people turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
In such circumstances, government policies should encourage investment, business expansion and job creation. Stable economic policies, better infrastructure, affordable energy and simpler regulations can give businesses greater confidence to invest and hire workers.
Educational institutions also need to change the way they prepare students for employment. A degree should not be the end of education. Students need practical experience, internships, career guidance and workplace skills. Universities should work more closely with businesses to understand changing employment needs. Technical and vocational education should also receive greater attention because skilled technicians, electricians, mechanics, construction workers and other professionals are needed.
The private sector can support young workers through apprenticeships, internships and entry-level jobs. Companies can also invest in training rather than expecting every new employee to arrive with all the required skills. Giving young workers a chance to learn can benefit both employees and businesses.
Pakistan must pay particular attention to young women. The fact that 45.4% of young women aged 15 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in 2024-25 shows how much potential remains untapped. Social expectations, limited mobility, unsafe transport and a shortage of suitable jobs can prevent many women from entering the workforce. Better transport, safe workplaces, flexible working arrangements, childcare and equal opportunities could help more women participate in the economy.
Ignoring youth unemployment could have serious consequences. A large population of young people without meaningful economic opportunities can become increasingly frustrated. Long-term unemployment can contribute to poverty, social instability and a loss of confidence in the future. It can also encourage more talented people to leave the country.
Pakistan still has an opportunity to turn its youth population into an economic advantage. The country has talent, ambition and a growing pool of potential workers. What is needed is a stronger system for turning these qualities into productive employment. There is no single solution. Pakistan needs sustained economic growth, greater private investment, better education, technical training, entrepreneurship and digital opportunities.
Youth unemployment must, therefore, be treated as a national priority. The latest figures provide a clear warning: 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24 are part of Pakistan’s population, while 28.4% of this age group are neither studying, working nor receiving training. If enough jobs and opportunities are not created, the country’s demographic advantage could become a major economic weakness.
Pakistan’s young people are not simply tomorrow’s workforce. They are today’s consumers, entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens. If they receive the right skills and opportunities, they can drive economic growth and help build a stronger Pakistan. But if they remain without jobs, skills and hope, the cost will be felt across the entire economy. The ticking clock is clear, and Pakistan cannot afford to ignore it.
The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
Pakistan has a large youth population, with 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey 2024-25. The age group accounts for 18.5% of the country’s total population and 25.8% of its working-age population. This large pool of young people can be one of Pakistan’s greatest strengths.
Young people bring energy, creativity, ambition and new ideas. They can drive businesses, support industries and contribute to economic growth. However, when millions struggle to find decent and stable employment, this advantage can quickly become a serious economic and social challenge.
The latest figures show why the issue needs immediate attention. Pakistan’s overall unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in 2024-25, while the labour force participation rate stood at 46.3%. More concerning is the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, known as NEET.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics estimates that 28.4% of the people aged 15 to 24 fell into this category in 2024-25. The situation is particularly worrisome for young women, with 45.4% classified as NEET, compared with 13% of young men.
For many young Pakistanis, completing education no longer guarantees a job. Every year, universities, colleges, technical institutes and schools produce thousands of graduates and skilled workers. Yet, the economy is not creating enough quality jobs to absorb them.
Many graduates spend months or even years searching for work. Others accept jobs unrelated to their education and skills, often for salaries that are too low to meet rising living costs. Many are pushed into informal work, where employment is uncertain and workers often receive few protections or benefits.
Another major problem is the gap between education and the requirements of the job market. Pakistan has many talented and educated young people, but a significant number lack practical skills that employers need.
Universities often focus heavily on theoretical learning, while businesses increasingly require digital skills, communication, technical knowledge, problem-solving and practical experience. This mismatch leaves young people struggling to find work, while employers may struggle to find suitable workers.
Economic conditions also play a major role. Pakistan has faced periods of slow growth, high inflation, political uncertainty and financial pressure. When businesses face rising costs, expensive energy, weak consumer demand and uncertainty, they become less willing to expand and hire. Small and medium-sized businesses, which have strong potential to create jobs, are particularly vulnerable.
Pakistan’s economy recorded provisional growth of 3.7% in 2025-26, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. While growth is important, the country needs stronger and more job-rich economic expansion to keep pace with its growing working-age population. Economic growth that does not create sufficient employment will do little to solve the problem of youth unemployment.
Inflation makes the situation even more difficult. A young person may have a job but still struggle to support themselves if wages do not keep pace with the cost of living. Food, housing, transport, education and healthcare place heavy pressure on families. Low-paid jobs provide little financial security and can leave young workers dependent on their parents for longer.
Youth unemployment also affects families. In Pakistan, young people are often expected to contribute financially after completing their education. When they cannot find work, families may have to support them for years. This can create frustration and disappointment. Young people who have spent years studying may feel that their efforts have not produced the future they expected. Long periods without work can also reduce confidence and hope.
The wider economy pays an even greater price. An unemployed young person represents lost productive potential. The country loses the goods, services, ideas, business activity and tax revenue that a person could have generated. If large numbers of young people remain outside productive employment for years, Pakistan risks wasting a significant part of its human capital.
Unemployment is also linked to migration. Many educated and skilled Pakistanis look abroad for better opportunities. Higher wages and stronger career prospects in the Gulf, Europe, North America and other regions attract doctors, engineers, IT professionals, technicians and other skilled workers. Migration brings valuable remittances, but the continued departure of skilled workers can also weaken the country’s domestic workforce.
Pakistan still has an opportunity to turn its youth population into an economic advantage. The country has talent, ambition and a growing pool of potential workers. What is needed is a stronger system for turning these qualities into productive employment.
The digital economy offers an important opportunity. Pakistan has a large number of young people interested in freelancing, software development, digital marketing, e-commerce and other online professions. The latest Household Integrated Economic Survey shows that 57% of the population was using the internet in 2024-25.
With better digital training, reliable internet access, and easier access to international markets, more young people could earn income through the global digital economy.
Entrepreneurship can also help create jobs. Pakistan needs young people who can build businesses rather than only look for employment. However, young entrepreneurs often face difficulties in obtaining finance, dealing with regulations, finding reliable infrastructure and gaining business experience. Easier access to small-business loans, training and mentorship could help young people turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
In such circumstances, government policies should encourage investment, business expansion and job creation. Stable economic policies, better infrastructure, affordable energy and simpler regulations can give businesses greater confidence to invest and hire workers.
Educational institutions also need to change the way they prepare students for employment. A degree should not be the end of education. Students need practical experience, internships, career guidance and workplace skills. Universities should work more closely with businesses to understand changing employment needs. Technical and vocational education should also receive greater attention because skilled technicians, electricians, mechanics, construction workers and other professionals are needed.
The private sector can support young workers through apprenticeships, internships and entry-level jobs. Companies can also invest in training rather than expecting every new employee to arrive with all the required skills. Giving young workers a chance to learn can benefit both employees and businesses.
Pakistan must pay particular attention to young women. The fact that 45.4% of young women aged 15 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in 2024-25 shows how much potential remains untapped. Social expectations, limited mobility, unsafe transport and a shortage of suitable jobs can prevent many women from entering the workforce. Better transport, safe workplaces, flexible working arrangements, childcare and equal opportunities could help more women participate in the economy.
Ignoring youth unemployment could have serious consequences. A large population of young people without meaningful economic opportunities can become increasingly frustrated. Long-term unemployment can contribute to poverty, social instability and a loss of confidence in the future. It can also encourage more talented people to leave the country.
Pakistan still has an opportunity to turn its youth population into an economic advantage. The country has talent, ambition and a growing pool of potential workers. What is needed is a stronger system for turning these qualities into productive employment. There is no single solution. Pakistan needs sustained economic growth, greater private investment, better education, technical training, entrepreneurship and digital opportunities.
Youth unemployment must, therefore, be treated as a national priority. The latest figures provide a clear warning: 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24 are part of Pakistan’s population, while 28.4% of this age group are neither studying, working nor receiving training. If enough jobs and opportunities are not created, the country’s demographic advantage could become a major economic weakness.
Pakistan’s young people are not simply tomorrow’s workforce. They are today’s consumers, entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens. If they receive the right skills and opportunities, they can drive economic growth and help build a stronger Pakistan. But if they remain without jobs, skills and hope, the cost will be felt across the entire economy. The ticking clock is clear, and Pakistan cannot afford to ignore it.
The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan doesn’t have a talent shortage. It has a broken hiring system | 0 | 6.7 | 04-09-2026 |
| 2 | The digital divide limiting opportunities in Pakistan | 0 | 6.79 | 18-08-2026 |
| 3 | Our housing challenge goes beyond a shortage of homes | 0 | 9.59 | 27-08-2026 |
| 4 | The illusion of scale in higher education | 0 | 12.46 | 31-08-2026 |
| 5 | Google in Pakistan: a new chapter in country’s digital ambition | 0 | 6.7 | 03-09-2026 |
| 6 | Farming needs a digital push | 0 | 7.54 | 29-09-2026 |
| 7 | Pakistan’s AI education challenge is about more than technology | 0 | 4.88 | 09-09-2026 |
| 8 | The government that talks to itself | 0 | 6.08 | 26-09-2026 |
| 9 | Pakistan's payments infrastructure is the next test | 0 | 9.6 | 10-08-2026 |
| 10 | Living longer is a blessing - but can we afford it? | 0 | 6.24 | 12-09-2026 |