PAKISTAN stands at a pivotal crossroads, balancing immense potential with a deepening economic crisis. With one of the youngest populations globally, the country holds a unique opportunity for unprecedented growth and prosperity. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to a critical issue: an unskilled workforce.
Recent concerns from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlight a troubling trend: rising unemployment linked to an increasing prevalence of unskilled labour in Pakistan. Despite being the fifth most populous nation, Pakistan’s labour force ranks only ninth in size, revealing systemic issues. Chief among these is the nation’s neglect of technical and vocational education, resulting in a workforce ill-equipped for modern economic demands.
Pakistan’s demographic profile is both an asset and a challenge. With nearly 79% of its population under 40, the country holds a significant demographic advantage. Yet, the widespread lack of vocational skills among the youth transforms this asset into a growing liability.
Instead of spurring economic growth, the unskilled young workforce contributes to rising unemployment and exacerbates economic difficulties. The job market, both domestically and globally, increasingly favours those with specialized skills. Unskilled workers struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs, impeding their economic progress and stifling broader economic growth. For those seeking employment abroad, the outlook is similarly bleak. The global job market’s growing competitiveness favours skilled labour, leaving unskilled Pakistani workers at a disadvantage. They often end up in low-paying, unstable jobs, limiting their earning potential and diminishing their ability to contribute to Pakistan’s economy through remittances—a crucial source of foreign exchange.
Each year, millions of young people enter Pakistan’s labor force, but without necessary skills, they only add to the strain on an already fragile economy. The soaring unemployment rate is a direct result of this expanding unskilled workforce, which is unprepared for a dynamic job market. Continued growth in this unskilled labour force threatens to deepen economic challenges, leading to increased poverty, social unrest, and a declining standard of living.
To reverse this trend, Pakistan must strategically invest in vocational and technical education. This approach is not a temporary fix but a long-term solution with the potential to transform the country’s economic landscape. By equipping young people with essential skills, Pakistan can reduce unemployment, alleviate economic pressure, and pave the way for sustainable growth.
Vocational education offers numerous benefits. Skilled workers are more productive, command higher wages, and are better positioned to drive economic innovation. Additionally, vocational training programs can be implemented relatively quickly, providing immediate relief to the job market by making individuals employable in a short time. This rapid enhancement of employability can significantly boost the economy, reduce unemployment rates, and foster a more resilient economic environment. A skilled workforce offers benefits beyond individual gains. A robust vocational education system makes a nation more attractive to foreign investors, more competitive globally and better equipped to achieve economic self-sufficiency. For Pakistan, developing a skilled workforce is not just an option—it is a necessity.
The unskilled labour force in Pakistan presents a substantial barrier to economic progress. If left unchecked, this issue will continue to hinder growth, widen socio-economic divides, and perpetuate poverty and unemployment. The government must prioritize vocational education and training to transform unskilled youth into a powerful engine of economic growth.
Pakistan’s future hinges on unlocking the potential of its young population. By investing in vocational training and developing a skilled workforce, Pakistan can convert its demographic advantage into a driving force for economic success, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Turbat, Balochistan.
