New Delhi. Unemployment in Pakistan has reached historic levels. The picture that has emerged from the country’s first digital census is extremely shocking. 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 highlights the failure of the country’s economy.
The report of ‘Pakistan Observer’ shows that the country’s unemployment crisis is deeper than it appears. About one-third of the youth aged between 15 to 35 years are neither studying, nor taking training, nor are engaged in any employment. These are called ‘NEET’ – i.e. ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’. This is the section which has gradually become completely cut off from the system. The report shows that out of the working age population i.e. more than 17 crore people who are capable of working, 11 percent do not have any employment.
Women are most affected
The situation of women is even worse. The female labor participation rate is very low and most women are engaged in domestic or unorganized work. The report clearly says that without the economic contribution of half the population, it is impossible to improve the country’s growth rate. Moreover, even if women want to work, they do not get safe and respectable opportunities.
Education system and structural unemployment hit
It has been said in the report that Pakistan’s education system is running on the old pattern. There is no focus here on vocational training nor on skill development. The result is that job seekers do not have the skills that the market demands. At the same time, educated youth are inclined towards government jobs, the number of which is limited and the competition is fierce. Due to this, structural unemployment is continuously increasing.
Inflation and disasters broke the back
According to the World Bank, the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025 will deal a severe blow to Pakistan’s economy. Lakhs of people went below the poverty line. Inflation, foreign exchange crisis and weak industrial policy destroyed local businesses. At present the employment rate is around 52 percent, which means half the population is either unemployed or forced to work at a level below their qualification.
Social crisis deepened due to unemployment
The report warns that unemployment has now become not just an economic but also a social crisis. Due to lack of work, many youth turn to crime or extremism. Work is being done in the coal mines of Balochistan by risking the lives of the workers. In many areas, youth are being forced into trafficking, bonded labor or sex trade. The news of these incidents often does not find a place in the media, but this situation gives a true glimpse of the breaking social structure of Pakistan.
Failure of rulers and lost generation
The report says that Pakistan’s system has completely failed in giving direction to its youth. Many madrassas and extremist organizations force unemployed youth to take up arms by luring them with false honours. These armed youth become a symbol of fear in the society. This is not just a story of unemployment, but of the failure of an entire society, which is swallowing its own future.
