KARACHI:
As of 2020, the unemployment rate in Pakistan was nearly 4.45%, which has consistently increased because of the pandemic and political instability in the country. Unemployment is becoming a major cause of concern and will result in serious social instability. With new graduates coming in every year, there is an excess supply of labour with fewer job opportunities. Naturally, this has also affected the rate of salaries, which are significantly low because employees are easily replaceable. Other reasons that have contributed to unemployment include overpopulation, poor governance, corruption, absence of investment, etc.
A large unemployed population can be dangerous for the country’s overall wellbeing as the unemployed youth is likely to be drawn towards criminal or illegal activities such as drug addiction, theft, and violence. Also, they are more vulnerable to exploitation from drug or human traffickers, terrorists, etc. With a spike in street crimes and theft across the country, it is already becoming apparent that civil unrest is in the making. Within the last two years, there has been an alarming increase in the rate of depression and other mental illnesses in the country. The youth are losing hope and resorting to extreme measures such as suicide to escape the situation altogether.
To tackle unemployment, the government must identify the issues and work on addressing them jointly. People must be informed of family planning and the harmful impact of overpopulation on the country’s resources. In the coming years, the country will be unable to cater to such a large population without generating enough resources. There is also an absence of investment in the country and many areas remain untapped. Local and foreign investors should be incentivised to invest in different industries to utilise the potential of the country, which will bring significant economic benefits. Also, the unemployed youth should be offered welfare schemes or mentorship and other development programmes to help them remain focused on working towards their goals and realising their potential.
Marij Batool
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2022.
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