TURBAT:
The recent surge of unemployment in Pakistan has adversely impacted the country’s youth. While the number of jobs created in the country is traditionally short of the numbers that are needed, the reigning Covid-19 pandemic has added fuel to the fire. Many young people, including those from privileged backgrounds, are increasingly resorting to drugs owing to the lack of job opportunities, while others are indulging in criminal activity as a means to support themselves through the money they have looted. Many have even been forced to take up odd jobs such as working at a garage or a supermarket in order to make ends meet.
Unfortunately, it seems that the concerned authorities are unable to figure out the root cause of the problem. Instead of focusing on providing relief to students by creating opportunities for them to succeed, the attention is diverted to curbing crime by putting young criminals behind bars. As a result, a significant segment of the population has been left to fend for themselves.
The incumbent government must realise the severity of the situation and take measures to reduce inflation. The authorities should also focus on creating opportunities to educate and train the youth so that they could equip themselves with the means to obtain a job and make a legitimate living.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2021.
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