In a struggling Pakistan, where debt mountains loom large, a fresh analysis paints a worrying picture. The nation’s youth bulge, once seen as an economic boon, now poses a severe challenge due to rampant skills deficiencies. This mismatch is stifling growth and sparking unrest across the country.
The Express Tribune reports that despite churning out 800,000 graduates annually, Pakistanis find it tough to penetrate labor markets in Japan or South Korea. The core issue: a vast chasm between required skills and what local education delivers. Lacking in certified tech skills, foreign languages, and globally valid credentials, these graduates are left behind.
National Assembly findings underscore the urgency. Many degrees hold little value overseas, vocational systems are outdated, and recognition remains spotty. The call is clear: revamp curricula in consultation with industries, prioritizing skills for global hotspots.
Pakistan’s education spend at a meager 1.9% of GDP leaves 26.2 million kids school-less. Limited focus on digital literacy, problem-solving, and practical training leaves the workforce vulnerable to tech shifts. Shockingly, 64% of grads cite skills gaps for employment woes, with 31% of youth jobless.
Teachers lack proper development, research is underfunded, and universities operate in silos. To reverse this, systemic overhauls are essential—aligning education with real-world demands to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s demographic asset.