Pakistani youth faces unemployment in the midst of rising economic turmoil that has gripped the country. With a steadily growing youth population and an economy struggling to keep pace, the employment crisis in Pakistan has reached critical levels.
As reported by Pakistan-based ARY News, the country’s economic challenges are deeply intertwined with the slow pace of job creation, resulting in growing discontent among young people. With the future of an entire generation at stake, addressing the unemployment issue has become more urgent than ever.
Slow Economic Growth and Rising Population
Pakistani youth faces unemployment as the country’s economy grapples with slow growth and an increasing population. The Planning Commission recently briefed the Senate Committee on Planning, highlighting how these two factors are creating a perfect storm of economic hardship.
The population surge, particularly among young people, has outpaced the creation of job opportunities, leaving many without work. Chairperson Quratul Ain voiced concerns during the briefing, noting that urgent measures are needed to control the rising population.
Currently, Pakistan’s GDP growth stands at a mere 3.5%, far below the 7% growth needed for sustainable economic development. This sluggish growth means fewer new jobs are created each year, making it increasingly difficult for the expanding youth population to find meaningful employment.
Without a strong and sustained economic expansion, Pakistani youth faces unemployment on an even greater scale in the years to come.
The situation is further exacerbated by a lack of economic diversification. While sectors like agriculture and textiles remain significant, they are not enough to absorb the growing number of young workers entering the job market.
Economic experts have pointed out that the country’s reliance on these traditional industries leaves little room for innovation or expansion into new sectors, limiting opportunities for young people.
Government Plans and Initiatives
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Planning Commission has laid out a five-year plan aimed at addressing these challenges. The plan focuses on leveraging technology, promoting tourism, and increasing agricultural productivity as potential growth areas.
If successful, these initiatives could help alleviate some of the pressure on the job market and provide new avenues for employment.
However, Pakistani youth faces unemployment despite these efforts, and it will take time before any positive impact is felt. Foreign investment is also seen as critical to driving economic growth, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors.
The government hopes that by improving governance in these areas, it can attract the kind of investment needed to kickstart the economy and create jobs for the country’s youth.
There is also an emphasis on the private sector’s role in job creation. Proposals to encourage private sector investment and boost the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector are integral parts of the government’s economic strategy.
By enhancing human resources and implementing institutional reforms, officials hope to remove poverty and create a more favorable environment for job creation. But until these initiatives bear fruit, Pakistani youth faces unemployment and the associated social challenges that come with it.
Protests and Public Discontent
The ongoing employment crisis is not just an economic issue but a social one as well. In recent months, public protests have highlighted the growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy. Pakistani youth faces unemployment alongside rising inflation and heavy taxes, which are crippling families across the nation.
In August, members of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan organized protests in Karachi, voicing their frustrations over skyrocketing inflation and the unfair tax burdens imposed by the government.
These protests reflect the growing anger among the general population, who are struggling to survive under the weight of economic pressures. One female protester summed up the situation, stating that people are now forced to choose between paying for basic necessities like food, electricity, or their children’s education.
Protesters have also pointed to the psychological toll this crisis is taking on individuals and families. The desperation felt by many, particularly the youth, has led to an increase in cases of extreme measures such as suicide. Families are facing impossible choices as they try to balance the cost of living with their dwindling incomes. Pakistani youth faces unemployment and a future that, for many, seems bleak.
Addressing the Crisis
As Pakistani youth faces unemployment, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis. While the government’s five-year plan is a step in the right direction, the implementation of these initiatives must be swift and effective.
The focus on technology, tourism, and agriculture is promising, but without proper execution, these sectors may not deliver the jobs needed to reduce unemployment.
Foreign investment will also play a key role in determining whether the country’s economy can recover. By improving governance and creating a more business-friendly environment, Pakistan could attract the kind of investment needed to boost job creation.
The energy and industrial sectors, in particular, have the potential to provide a significant number of jobs, but they require substantial investment and modernization.
Pakistani youth faces unemployment not just as an economic problem but as a symptom of deeper societal issues. The government’s focus on removing poverty and enhancing human resources is a recognition of this.
Institutional reforms, aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable economy, are essential if Pakistan is to address its youth unemployment crisis in a meaningful way.
Pakistani youth faces unemployment as the country struggles to cope with its economic challenges. With a rapidly growing population and slow economic growth, job creation has failed to keep pace with demand.
The government has laid out a five-year plan aimed at tackling the issue, but it remains to be seen whether these initiatives will be enough. Public protests and rising discontent highlight the urgency of the situation, as young people struggle to find employment and provide for their families.
Addressing the employment crisis will require a multifaceted approach, including foreign investment, governance reforms, and a focus on new sectors like technology and tourism. Only by tackling these issues head-on can Pakistan hope to secure a brighter future for its youth.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏