PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of the country’s first National Youth Employment Policy on the occasion of World Youth Day observed on Wednesday is a welcome step towards addressing one of the country’s most pressing challenges: creating meaningful economic opportunities for its young population.
Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with over sixty percent of its population below the age of 30. This enormous youth bulge can either become a powerful engine of economic growth or turn into a serious socio-economic challenge if young people remain without education, skills and productive employment. The new policy rightly moves beyond the traditional concept of employment and places greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and enterprise creation. The allocation of ten percent of the annual quota for startups is particularly significant, as it can encourage young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. Another important feature is the target of increasing women’s participation in the labour force to 35 percent. With women still significantly underrepresented in workforce, greater access to employment, entrepreneurship, finance and skills can substantially strengthen household incomes and the national economy. Equally important is the focus on modern and internationally marketable skills. Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, information technology, technical and vocational training and other emerging sectors are rapidly transforming the global job market. Equipping the youth with relevant skills can open avenues not only within the country but also in international and remote-work markets. However, the real test of the employment policy will be its implementation. Policies alone cannot create jobs or businesses. Effective coordination between federal and provincial governments, educational institutions, industry and financial institutions will be essential. Access to affordable finance, quality training, mentorship and transparent employment mechanisms must accompany the policy. The government must therefore ensure that this framework does not remain confined to official documents and announcements. Its targets should be regularly monitored, publicly evaluated and translated into tangible opportunities.
