Unlocking the promise of Pakistan's youth

Pakistan stands at a demographic crossroads. With 60% of our population under 30 — one of the world's largest youth cohorts — our nation pulses with unparalleled potential. Yet this promise is being systematically stifled. Deep-rooted inequities in nutrition, health and education shackle millions from birth, while gender disparities cast a crippling shadow over our collective future.

The World Bank's 2020 Human Capital Index delivers a devastating verdict: under current conditions, a Pakistani child will achieve only 41% of their productive potential — less than half the outcome of a British child (78%). As global attention highlighted this on World Population Day — with its theme of empowering youth to build families in a fair, hopeful world — Pakistan's trajectory demands immediate reckoning. How can a nation thrive when systemic barriers deny its greatest asset — its young people — the tools to flourish?

For countless young Pakistanis, key life decisions are shaped by forces beyond their control. Many face pressure to leave school early, marry young or take on adult responsibilities without support. The freedom to choose when and how to start a family often remains out of reach. We must ask ourselves honestly: are we creating the right conditions for young people to make informed, confident decisions about their lives?

The recent report Pakistan @ 2050: Demographic Transitions and Opportunities, developed by the Population Council and UNFPA, offers a clear and compelling picture. It emphasises that the future of our country depends on how we treat our youth today. If we invest in their education, expand employment opportunities and ensure access to reproductive health services, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Pakistan.

Let's begin with education. More than 20 million young Pakistanis between the ages of 15 and 24 are currently out of school. Among young women, fewer than half have completed primary education. When girls and boys are denied access to quality learning, they lose far more than just textbooks. Education builds confidence, helps young people understand their rights and equips them with the skills they need to contribute to society. We need safe, inclusive and future-ready schools that prepare youth for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

However, education must be matched with opportunity. According to the Pakistan @ 2050 report, the country will need between 97 million and 115 million new jobs by the year 2050 - an average of 2.6 million new jobs per year. Many young people, even those with degrees, struggle to find meaningful employment. For young women, labour force participation remains especially low. It is essential to invest in vocational training, digital skills, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship programmes that support the transition from learning to earning.

Equally important is the ability to plan one's family. The report reveals that only 25% of married young women use modern contraception — even though many would prefer to delay or space their pregnancies. Too often, young people lack access to accurate information and youth-friendly health services. Family planning should not be seen as a population control tool, but rather as a way to help young individuals make thoughtful, informed and voluntary decisions about their futures and families.

The economic benefits of investing in youth are significant. If current fertility trends continue and youth remain underserved, Pakistan's GDP growth could stagnate around 3.4% per year. But if we reduce fertility rates through voluntary, rights-based approaches and invest in our youth, growth could rise to 5.1%. This would mean better incomes, greater opportunity and improved well-being for millions of families.

Supporting young people is not the job of one office or one ministry. It requires collaboration across all sectors of society. Government leaders, civil society, faith communities, the private sector and families must come together to create an environment where young people feel seen, heard and supported.