‘Pakistan failing to utilize its young population for economic prosperity’ 

As World Population Day dawns, experts stress need for policy reforms, provision of capital, change in societal norms 

Mushfiq Ahmed

KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) – On the eve of World Population Day being observed on Friday (July 11), Pakistan faces a paradox that a large young population is not helped by proper policy frameworks to realize its potential.

While a young population is a boon for any country, the absence of policy to find jobs for the population and use their potential in a positive framework is a big challenge facing the nation.

Rabia Zafar, Director Research and Survey, National Institute of Population Studies, told MNTV that Pakistan’s youth bulge, once seen as a promise of prosperity, now stands as a stark reminder that human potential without opportunity becomes a burden rather than a blessing.

“Pakistan’s demographic structure has long been dominated by a large and growing youth population—a phenomenon often referred to as a ‘youth bulge.’ In theory, such a demographic profile can act as a powerful engine for economic growth, innovation, and national development. However, in Pakistan’s case, this potential remains largely untapped,” said Zafar. 

“The failure to invest in quality education, vocational training, health care, and job creation has turned a promising opportunity into a looming challenge. Millions of young Pakistanis find themselves without the skills or platforms to contribute meaningfully to the economy, leading to rising unemployment, frustration, and, in some cases, social unrest,” she said.

Dr Aamir Hussain of the University of Karachi’s economics department said that the link between industry and academia is not strong. 

“In a survey of the gems and jewelry sector we found that three or four government institutions were providing students with skillsets that were of no use to the industry. Although the institutions claimed that they were training the students with the most modern machines. Industry players told us that they did not get manpower for the machinery they were operating,” said Hussain. 

“Similar is the case of the hosiery and garments sector. There are institutions to develop manpower for these industries but the industry players say that they lack people who have all the skills necessary for their requirements,” said Hussain.

“India has made lots of gains by training its youngsters in information technology. But we are far behind in that too,” he said. 

“Moreover, we educate our girls but they remain outside the workforce because of societal restrictions. There are girls who are graduates or even have PhDs but after marriage they are not allowed to work. Now is the era of work from home. We should take advantage of that and persuade people to allow women to own or join work-from-home businesses,” said Hussain. 

“There are some women who are doing this and earning significant amounts of money.”  

He said that lack of capital is also a big hindrance. “Students come to us with innovative ideas but they do not have the capital to execute their ideas. In many sectors, starting a business requires a lot of money because machinery is expensive. Then they also face the problem of expensive electricity,” he said.