Job drought

Unemployment in Pakistan has surged to critical levels and some estimates suggest roughly 6.61 million people will be without jobs in 2024, posing a major obstacle for the country. Factors that contribute to the problem include a large population leading to increased competition for jobs and a weak education system. Economic instability worsens the situation as it leads to fewer job prospects. The government’s strict budget cuts, imposed by the IMF, have also worsened difficulties, especially for the less affluent.

In order to tackle this urgent problem, Pakistan should focus on investing in education, skills training, and vocational programmes to improve the job prospects of its workforce. Promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses has the potential to generate fresh job prospects and stimulate economic development. Moreover, the government needs to prioritize expanding the economy, encouraging industrial growth, and drawing in foreign investments to create more job opportunities.

Khadija Shaikh

Islamabad