Employment crisis in Pakistan.
The unemployment crisis in Pakistan has now reached its highest level in history. The picture that has emerged from the country’s first digital census has shocked everyone. In Pakistan, which has a population of more than 24 crores, about 1 crore 87 lakh youth are unemployed. That means every third youth is either looking for work, or has given up hope. The total unemployment rate has crossed 7.8 percent, which clearly shows the weakness of the country’s economy.
Broken hopes of youth
According to a recent report of ‘Pakistan Observer’, the real situation is more serious than the figures. About one-third of the youth aged between 15 to 35 years are neither studying, nor in any training, nor are engaged in any employment. These are called ‘NEET’, i.e. ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’. This is the same class which is gradually becoming cut off from both society and the system. Of the more than 17 crore working age people in the country, about 11 percent do not have any employment.
The condition of women is worst
The situation of women in Pakistan is even more worrying. The female labor participation rate is very low and even those women who work are mostly unorganized or engaged in domestic work. Many women want to work, but they do not get a safe and respectful environment.
Severe lack of education and skills
Pakistan’s old education system is also a major reason for unemployment. Schools and colleges are still following the old pattern, where employable skills are not taught. Lack of vocational training and lack of modern technical education is making the youth unfit for jobs. At the same time, educated youth only run towards government jobs, whereas there are limited places and competition is very tough. Because of this, structural unemployment is continuously increasing.
Inflation and disasters broke the back
The World Bank report shows that the devastating floods from 2022 to 2025 dealt a deep blow to Pakistan’s economy. Lakhs of people went below the poverty line. On top of that, rising inflation, foreign exchange crisis and weak industrial policy destroyed small businesses. Now the situation is such that the employment rate in the country is only 52 percent. That means more than half the population is unemployed or working at a level far below their capacity.