Pakistan is a country blessed with a vibrant and energetic youth population. Over 64% of its population is below the age of 30, with more than 29% between the ages of 15 and 29, placing the country in a unique position known as the “youth bulge.” This demographic dividend presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a serious challenge. If managed effectively, it can fuel economic growth and national progress. However, if left unaddressed, it could lead to high unemployment, social unrest, and a waste of human potential.



Youth employment and skill development, therefore, are crucial for Pakistan’s economic sustainability, social stability, and political resilience. Yet, despite this critical importance, youth in Pakistan continue to face significant challenges in securing meaningful employment. In this article, we will explore the current landscape of youth employment, assess the gaps in skill development, examine the role of government and private initiatives, and propose strategic solutions to bridge the gap between education and employment.

  

The Current Landscape of Youth Employment

1. Unemployment and Underemployment Rates

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and other national labor surveys, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan remains significantly higher than the national average. While the overall unemployment rate hovers around 6–7%, the youth unemployment rate exceeds 11%. Moreover, this statistic doesn't fully capture the issue of underemployment—where young people are engaged in jobs that don’t match their skills, offer low wages, or are only partially productive.

2. Informal Economy and Job Insecurity

A majority of Pakistani youth, even those with formal education, end up working in the informal economy. The informal sector—comprising small retail, agriculture, domestic labor, and non-regulated enterprises—accounts for nearly 72% of total employment. This deprives youth of job security, social protection, minimum wage standards, and career growth prospects.

3. Education-Employment Mismatch

One of the most prominent challenges is the disconnect between education and market demand. Graduates are often unable to find jobs that align with their qualifications, while employers struggle to find workers with the practical skills needed. This mismatch reveals a systemic issue in Pakistan’s education and training system.

Challenges in Skill Development

1. Outdated Curriculum and Teaching Methodologies

Many institutions in Pakistan still follow outdated curricula that do not cater to current industry requirements. Instructors often lack training, resources, and industry exposure, which limits their ability to provide practical or technical instruction. As a result, students graduate with theoretical knowledge but lack the technical or soft skills needed in modern work environments.

2. Limited Access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Pakistan remains underdeveloped and underfunded. With a few exceptions, most vocational training institutes lack adequate infrastructure, modern equipment, and qualified trainers. Enrollment in these institutions is also relatively low, partly due to the social stigma attached to blue-collar work.

3. Gender Disparity

Women face additional hurdles in accessing employment and skill development. Despite having higher enrollment rates in higher education compared to men in some urban areas, female labor force participation remains below 25%. Cultural norms, lack of safe transportation, workplace harassment, and limited access to training opportunities further compound the problem.

4. Digital Divide

In an era where digital skills are vital, a large portion of the youth in rural or marginalized areas have limited access to internet connectivity, digital literacy, or online platforms. This creates a digital divide that excludes a significant portion of the population from benefiting from digital jobs or online learning.

Government Initiatives and Policies

1. Kamyab Jawan Program

Launched in 2019, the Kamyab Jawan Program is one of the flagship initiatives by the government to empower youth. It includes youth entrepreneurship schemes, skill scholarships, and digital training opportunities. Under the “Skills for All” component, thousands of young people have been trained in high-demand trades such as IT, hospitality, renewable energy, and construction.

2. NAVTTC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission)

NAVTTC has been instrumental in standardizing and upgrading vocational training in Pakistan. The commission has introduced competency-based training models, assessment frameworks, and has partnered with international agencies to bring global best practices to the local context.

3. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Policies

HEC has introduced internship programs, university-industry linkages, and research commercialization efforts. However, the outcomes remain limited due to a lack of institutional coordination and scalability.

Role of the Private Sector and NGOs

1. Corporate Sector Involvement

Private companies have started recognizing the importance of investing in the future workforce. Companies in the IT, telecom, and industrial sectors are initiating internship programs, on-the-job training, and certifications. Examples include systems like Telenor’s Open Mind Program and Jazz’s Digital Skills Initiative.

2. Startups and Incubators

Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is growing, with increased support from local and international investors. Incubation centers such as Plan9, NIC, and Nest I/O provide mentoring, workspace, and seed funding to aspiring entrepreneurs. These platforms also promote youth-led innovations, offering an alternative to traditional employment.

3. NGOs and Development Agencies

Organizations such as USAID, UNDP, British Council, and local NGOs like The Citizens Foundation and Akhuwat are actively involved in skill development and youth empowerment programs. They often focus on marginalized areas and promote inclusive access to education and vocational training.

Digital Skills and the Gig Economy

1. Rise of Freelancing

Pakistan ranks among the top five countries globally for freelancing. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer have opened up new income opportunities for tech-savvy youth. However, success in freelancing requires not only technical skills but also self-discipline, communication skills, and digital marketing knowledge.

2. Digital Literacy Programs

Initiatives such as DigiSkills.pk and e-Rozgaar by PITB (Punjab Information Technology Board) have helped train thousands of youth in freelancing, content writing, graphic design, and digital marketing. These programs are a step toward democratizing employment and encouraging self-employment.

3. Opportunities in E-commerce and Remote Work

The rise of e-commerce platforms like Daraz, Foodpanda, and local logistics startups has created new job categories, from delivery riders to digital store managers. Similarly, the post-COVID world has accelerated remote work, providing opportunities for educated youth to work for international clients without leaving their homes.

Strategic Recommendations

1. Revamp Educational Curriculum

There is a need for a complete overhaul of the curriculum across schools, colleges, and universities to align with market needs. Incorporating STEM education, soft skills, critical thinking, and digital literacy is essential. Vocational training should also be integrated into the mainstream education system.

2. Promote Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia is crucial to bridge the skill gap. Industry-driven curriculum development, internships, apprenticeships, and joint certification programs can help produce job-ready graduates.

3. Expand Access to TVET

Investing in vocational training centers, especially in rural and underserved areas, is necessary to provide equitable opportunities. Modernizing facilities, updating curricula, and training instructors can significantly improve outcomes.

4. Empower Women and Marginalized Groups

Special focus should be placed on including women, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities in skill development and employment strategies. Providing safe spaces, transport facilities, and gender-sensitive training can help achieve this.

5. Leverage Technology and Online Platforms

Digital platforms can scale up access to skill development programs, especially in remote areas. Mobile-based learning, virtual internships, and AI-driven job matching platforms can be game changers.

6. Foster an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Youth should be encouraged and trained to become job creators rather than job seekers. Entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, and access to seed capital should be made more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Youth employment and skill development in Pakistan are not just policy issues—they are matters of national survival and progress. With one of the largest youth populations in the world, Pakistan must act decisively to harness the potential of its young citizens. This will require coordinated efforts across government bodies, private sector, civil society, and international partners.

By investing in quality education, promoting skills-based learning, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating inclusive economic opportunities, Pakistan can transform its youth bulge into a demographic dividend. The journey is complex, but with vision, commitment, and innovation, it is entirely achievable. The youth of Pakistan deserve not only jobs but dignified livelihoods and the opportunity to shape their own future.