A fashionable sense of doom has taken hold in our coffee shops and online spaces, where it is increasingly argued that the “older generation” has failed and that for Pakistan’s youth, especially Gen Z, “it is over”. While frustration over inflation and political uncertainty is understandable, this narrative collapses when examined against facts on the ground.
As we move through 2026, Pakistan is not at an end point but in the middle of a difficult transition, particularly towards a digital economy. In the first quarter of FY26 alone, IT exports crossed the $1 billion mark, a record that reflects thousands of young Pakistanis earning globally despite local constraints. The finalisation of the 5G spectrum auction this January and expected rollouts by mid-year further strengthen the foundations for a mature freelance and tech industry.
Youth-focused initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, built around the 4E framework of Education, Employment, Engagement and Environment, are attempting to align skills with future-facing sectors such as IT, AI and e-commerce. Platforms like the Digital Youth Hub, paid internships under the Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Programme, scholarships for underserved regions and international certifications in partnership with firms like Microsoft and Coursera directly address the “useless degree” dilemma.
Critics often ignore Pakistan’s informal but vital safety nets. The joint family system continues to cushion young people, while decades of security sacrifices by earlier generations have created the stability that allows today’s youth to study, code and compete globally.
Reforms under the SIFC, especially allowing IT firms to retain 50% of foreign earnings locally, signal a serious structural pivot. The baton being passed is heavy and the race is hard, but it is far from over. For Pakistan’s digital-first generation, it may just be the beginning.
Syeda Amnah Batool
MNA and PMYP Focal Person
