The latest survey shows unemployment in Pakistan has reached a 21-year high, causing fear and frustration among citizens. Nearly 1.4 million people lost jobs in four years, and 5.9 million remain unemployed today. Youth unemployment is even higher, creating serious social and security risks across the country.
The rise in joblessness has pushed many young people toward low-paid informal work. Some are vulnerable to crime and exploitation due to hopelessness. Experts warn that economic reforms must move beyond slogans and address structural issues. They argue that the state must protect basic rights and manage the economy responsibly to avoid further decline.
READ MORE:Unemployment in Pakistan nears 7 percent: Labour Force Survey
Officials partly blame international lenders and climate disasters for this situation. However, decades of weak policies, rising debt, and low development spending have fueled long-term stagnation. Corruption and mismanagement have reduced investment in key sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and skill development. As a result, economic growth remains too slow to create enough jobs.
Moreover, Pakistan’s fast-growing population makes the challenge even harder. Millions join the workforce every year, but the private sector cannot absorb them due to political instability and structural barriers. Foreign investors also hesitate because of unrest in key regions and poor business conditions. Without strong manufacturing and agriculture, the services sector alone cannot fix the crisis.
READ MORE:Pakistan’s unemployment likely to reach 7% in FY 2024–25: Labour Force Survey
In the end, experts warn that unemployment in Pakistan will worsen without large-scale investment and major reforms. They stress that automation and AI could eliminate even more jobs in the future. Policymakers must act now to protect workers and support industries that can generate sustainable employment before the problem becomes unmanageable.