Unpaid interns

Internships can provide valuable experience, but sometimes they contribute to inequality and exploitation, particularly in developing economies like Pakistan. Unpaid internships place a financial burden on students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Students may struggle to afford transport, meals, or basic living expenses while interning without any financial compensation. This disparity leads to inequality, as only those with sufficient financial backing can afford to take unpaid internships, leaving others at a disadvantage when entering the workforce. Internships in Pakistan are also mostly offered in metropolitan cities, leaving rural students at a disadvantage.

With limited access to transportation and accommodation options, these students face logistical and financial hurdles, making it difficult for them to pursue these internships and, by extension, secure future employment. Furthermore, unpaid internships are not structured in a way that provides substantial learning opportunities. Interns may be assigned basic administrative tasks like data entry, filing, or running errands, which do not help them develop practical skills or professional expertise. Since more than half of Pakistan’s population is made up of young people, it is important to consider the concerns of the young generation. This culture of unpaid labour needs to be resolved.

Muhammad Gul Zaib

Okara