Pakistan is home to one of the largest youth populations in the region, yet the economic policies in place fail to reflect this reality. Despite acquiring higher education and technical skills, a vast number of young individuals are either unemployed or underemployed — with limited access to meaningful career pathways.
This disconnect between education and the job market is alarming. Young graduates face a saturated job market, rising inflation, lack of merit-based recruitment and minimal state support for entrepreneurship or freelance growth. Many are pushed into unpaid internships, irrelevant jobs or long periods of economic inactivity. These conditions are not only demoralising but also waste the potential of an entire generation. Job placement assistance for graduates Food delivery service partnering with local restaurants
The absence of a youth-centric economic roadmap is deeply concerning. The frustration is now visible in increasing brain drain, growing mental health issues and a loss of trust in national systems. If this trend continues, Pakistan risks losing its most critical asset — its human capital.
Policymakers must prioritise youth inclusion in economic planning by investing in skill development, supporting startups, ensuring transparency in hiring processes and creating platforms for young professionals to contribute meaningfully to. The nation cannot afford to leave its future in uncertainty.
HASMA ANJUM
SIALKOT
