KARACHI:
Pakistan takes pride in the fact that nearly 60% of its population is under the age of 30. Yet, when it comes to opportunities, the country’s youth continue to struggle. The most pressing issue is unemployment. Every year, thousands of graduates leave universities with degrees but fail to find jobs that match their skills. According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. At the same time, rising semester fees place an immense financial burden on families. Parents invest their life savings in education, only for their children to face joblessness upon graduation.
The education system also demands urgent reform. While the world rapidly advances towards artificial intelligence, software development and digital innovation, our curriculum remains outdated. Students need practical, skill-based training rather than overreliance on theoretical learning. Initiatives such as DigiSkills and youth startup loan programmes are promising steps, but they are not enough. Pakistan needs more incubation centres, accessible seed funding and simplified business registration processes to truly empower its youth.
Equally critical are issues of safety and freedom of expression. Young women must feel secure in educational institutions and workplaces. Moreover, the youth must be able to voice their concerns peacefully, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Pakistan’s future depends on its young population. By investing in skills, employment opportunities and safety, we can enable our youth to become the driving force behind meaningful national progress.
Qurratulain
Akhtarabad
