In Pakistan, unpaid student internships have become the norm – particularly in competitive fields such as media, marketing, technology and finance. Recent graduates are frequently told that these internships are the "golden ticket" to securing a proper job. But let's be honest: many of these so-called opportunities are simply unpaid labour in disguise.
According to a survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), approximately 60% of students seeking internships report that they are either unpaid or offer only minimal compensation. This situation is especially difficult for students from rural areas, who often face additional logistical challenges such as high transportation costs and limited access to accommodation. You work long hours, acquire minimal skills, and are often treated as little more than background noise.
Rather than opening doors to a career, these internships mostly drain your time, energy and enthusiasm – all without a paycheque, of course.
Why is this happening? The core issue is simple: Pakistan lacks national laws to protect interns. There are no legal requirements for companies to pay interns, no set limits on how long internships can last, and no obligation to provide proper training or mentorship.
In the absence of regulation, many businesses take full advantage – treating student interns as free labour and assigning them basic, repetitive tasks without offering a single rupee in compensation. It's a loophole that rewards exploitation over education.
Who suffers the most from unpaid internships in Pakistan? It goes far beyond just working for free. These internships often fail to teach real-world skills or lead to stable jobs. But the ones hit hardest are students from low-income families. While those with financial support can afford to "gain experience" without pay, others face a cruel choice: take the unpaid role and struggle to survive, or skip it and risk falling behind. Either way, they lose. The system quietly rewards privilege and punishes potential – because apparently, opportunity is only free when you can afford it.
What's the reality of unpaid internships in Pakistan? For many student interns, it's less about gaining professional experience and more about mastering the art of making coffee or figuring out the office printer. Interns are often assigned menial tasks like filing documents, running errands, or worse, just sitting idly and pretending to work, all without proper training or mentorship. In some instances, interns report verbal abuse, rude behaviour and harassment, with no support from HR. The supposed "perks" of internships are vague promises of "exposure" or a "future job", which rarely materialise. Instead of acquiring valuable experience, interns often end up doing unwanted work, learning little in return.
Is change happening? Thankfully, awareness is rising across Pakistan. Students are speaking out, whether through online campaigns, social media, or protests in cities like Lahore and Islamabad, demanding fair treatment and compensation, especially those in research positions.
What needs to be done? It's time for real, lasting change. Pakistan needs a national policy that guarantees fair pay for interns, limits how long internships can last, and ensures they receive the training and support they deserve. But most importantly, low-income students must have access to financial help during internships. No student should have to choose between gaining experience and struggling to make ends meet. It's time to create a system where every student, no matter their background, can thrive with dignity and opportunity. Let's make that future happen – for them, for all of us.
What can we learn from global best practices for internships? Take France, for example, which has one of the most effective internship policies worldwide. In France, interns must be paid if their internship lasts more than two months, and there is a formal agreement between the student, the company and the university. Internships in France are designed to provide real learning opportunities aligned with the student's academic programme, ensuring that students gain valuable experience.
Additionally, French interns are protected by labour laws, including regulations on working hours, anti-harassment policies and basic employee rights. This comprehensive framework guarantees that interns are treated fairly, and employers are held accountable. By adopting similar internship policies, countries can improve the treatment of interns, ensure fair compensation, and foster a more supportive learning environment. France's model offers essential lessons in creating a balanced, fair and effective internship system.
Internships should be a launchpad for young people to start their careers, not a glorified way to make them feel used or disillusioned. With the right policies, fair pay and proper support, Pakistan could turn student internships into real opportunities for learning and growth. It's not like we're asking for the moon – just a system where young people are treated with respect and actually get something valuable out of the experience. Let's make internships what they should be: a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
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