Youth play a pivotal role in driving progress and innovation in every country’s economy, and in Pakistan, they are essential for enhancing the nation’s image on the global stage. However, many young people find their dreams shattered due to a lack of resources.
The majority of Pakistani youth are striving for better opportunities to improve their lifestyles and standards of living. Unfortunately, ongoing economic turmoil has hindered these aspirations. Following the recent general elections, numerous young people in Karachi expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises made by political parties. Many feel disheartened by the lack of effective initiatives from both federal and provincial governments.
With over 60% of the population under the age of 30, Pakistan ranks as the fifth-largest youth demographic in the world. Countries with younger populations often experience higher growth and development rates. Yet, Pakistani youth face significant challenges, including a struggling education system and limited employment opportunities, which prevent them from developing their skills and showcasing their potential.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the energy and ambition of Pakistan’s youth, enabling the country to unlock its potential for growth and prosperity. As the nation looks to the future, investing in its young population will be key to achieving sustained economic progress.
Unfulfilled promises and infrastructure challenges.
Khateeb Ahmed, a recent graduate of Karachi University, has expressed his disappointment with the Sindh government regarding unfulfilled promises made during the election campaign. He believes that the government is struggling to fully implement these commitments due to its coalition partnership with PMLN at the federal level.
In a statement, Khateeb remarked, "The recent initiatives by the Sindh government to provide free courses are not fully capable of building students' capacity levels." He emphasized the need for the Sindh government to enhance its strategy for educational programs.
Khateeb called for a concrete plan to improve infrastructure across all districts of Karachi and urged the Sindh education department to address the challenges students face within the higher education system.
While he appreciated the Sindh government's efforts to enhance bus transportation in Karachi, he stressed the importance of better budget implementation in the city, as promised by PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto during the elections.
As the government moves forward, the voices of young leaders like Khateeb highlight the need for effective governance and accountability in addressing the needs of the youth and the broader community.
Musadiq Rehman, a recent intern at a prominent digital marketing agency, has voiced concerns about the limited opportunities in governmental organizations, attributing this to the poor infrastructure of local government.
In a statement, Musadiq remarked, "The current opportunities in governmental organizations are very limited due to the lack of good infrastructure in local government." He emphasized that the government has not fully delivered on its election promises regarding IT jobs in Karachi, noting a lack of significant measures to enhance the government sector in the city.
While acknowledging that some private IT companies operate efficiently, Musadiq criticized government efforts to improve the country's ranking in the IT sector as inadequate. He also highlighted the numerous promises made by the government during the general election to establish a better healthcare system in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. Unfortunately, he believes these commitments have remained largely unfulfilled, as government hospitals in the city continue to lack basic facilities.
Employment concerns Post-Election
The Gallup Pakistan Election Day and Post Election Survey 2024 reveals a notable increase in youth turnout this year, with PTI emerging as the highest vote-puller among first-time voters and relatively educated segments of the population. Musadiq's insights reflect the broader discontent among young citizens regarding the government’s performance and its impact on their futures.
According to the Gallup Exit Poll 2024, youth voter turnout has reached levels similar to the national average, representing a significant improvement from previous years when participation among young voters was considerably lower. The 2024 youth voter turnout is 11% higher than in 2018 and 22% higher than in 2013.
Despite this positive trend, many young people remain disillusioned with the lack of tangible improvements post-election. Hira Saeed, currently affiliated with local NGOs, expressed her disappointment, stating that the failure of governmental systems has resulted in no noticeable changes. She pointed out that numerous graduates in Karachi are still unemployed and struggling to find better job opportunities, while the government has not implemented a viable plan to address this issue.
Hira emphasized the need for the Sindh government to expand job opportunities for recent graduates. She stated, "During the election, many political parties made promises, but after the election, they are noticeably absent from their constituencies."
To address the unemployment crisis among young graduates, Hira advises both federal and provincial governments to initiate talent hunt programs aimed at harnessing the skills and enthusiasm of recently graduated students.
As the youth demographic continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future, the call for effective job creation and follow-through on political promises becomes increasingly urgent.
To enhance the employability of students in Pakistan, it is essential for both public and private organizations to collaborate with the Higher Education Commission and universities. By working together, they can create initiatives that better prepare graduates for the job market.
Moreover, the government must invest in new industries to provide a broader range of opportunities for the youth. This investment will not only help create jobs but also foster an environment where young people can thrive in various fields.
By taking these steps, Pakistan can better equip its youth for the challenges of the modern workforce, ultimately contributing to the nation's economic growth and development.
To enhance the employability of students in Pakistan, it is essential for both public and private organizations to collaborate with the Higher Education Commission and universities. By working together, they can create initiatives that better prepare graduates for the job market.
Moreover, the government must invest in new industries to provide a broader range of opportunities for the youth. This investment will not only help create jobs but also foster an environment where young people can thrive in various fields.
By taking these steps, Pakistan can better equip its youth for the challenges of the modern workforce, ultimately contributing to the nation's economic growth and development.