Various much-touted developmental programmes of subsequent administrations have long dismissed the affairs of country’s biggest asset: its young people. A report by UNICEF ranked more than 60 percent of Pakistani youth as the second highest bulge of population aged between 15-24. Instead of cultivating the country’s economy, this untapped asset continues to cripple its stability.
The abysmal state of youth development particularly with regard to education, healthcare and employment opportunities was once again highlighted in a report titled “Youth in Pakistan: Priorities, Realities and Policy Responses” by the Population Council. The report lamented Pakistan’s measly score of 0.63 on the Commonwealth Youth Development Index, slating it as 22nd out of 54 countries. An integrated framework with linkages across sectors was, hence, suggested to resolve the prevalent crisis created by the existing standalone policies. Not only would these coordinated efforts help develop Pakistan’s youth but also facilitate the realisation of its financial goals. However, the governmental failures in this regard have set forth myriad problems on both societal and economic fronts.
Although the youth unemployment rate varies from 9.90 percent — according to the Survey of Labour Statistics — to unofficial figures as high as 40 percent, the discrepant statistics do little other than adding weight to the challenge. The rising number of college graduates would further exacerbate the current situation by intensifying the labour supply in an already job-strapped economy. Hence, unless Pakistan realises the utmost importance of acknowledging this crisis, youth unemployment cannot be effectively addressed.
Improving the infrastructure of the education sector could be implemented as a first step. Not only does Pakistan need a greater number of schools and institutions of higher learning, particularly in rural areas, its students also require an updated curriculum and talented teachers. Government should also introduce programmes with regard to vocational and technical training so that an effective labour force can be developed. Technological advances should also be employed to build upon workers’ productivity on top of creating new jobs in relevant industries. While the changing global business trends dictate an emphasis on service sector, Pakistan still relies on its diminishing manufacturing industries for most of its economic activity. The dismal security situation in the country, however, continues to undermine any governmental efforts to develop its tertiary sector. Unless and until peace prevails across the country, tourism and hotelling businesses can neither flourish nor accommodate Pakistani youth.
Every now and then labour agencies warn international community of the risks posed to youth populations at the hands of the fragile global economy. A recently released report by the International Labour Agency estimated as many as 71 million jobless young people across the world, a figure even higher than the entire population of Thailand. However, the fact that such disheartening state of affairs has now become a global phenomenon should be considered as an even greater challenge for Pakistan. It should effectively utilise its workforce to achieve sustainable development. The prevalent wide disparities between male and female workers in the country should also be addressed on an immediate basis. Pakistan should actively invest in female education to increase women participation in economic spheres.
Youth development is a very serious challenge and should be dealt now while there is still time for it to evolve untenably. Even though successes of military operations against terrorism cannot be appreciated enough, Pakistan still needs these reforms to ensure the safety of future generations from the clutches of militant outfits. Only then can peace and prosperity be truly restored. *