Pakistan’s young people are often encouraged to get into higher education as a method of succeeding. Sadly, for many graduates today, a degree only increases their exhaustion and frustration. Despite their years of education, thousands remain unemployed or underemployed, owing to an increasing disconnect between what is learned in academic institutions and what the market demands. Our education system is largely theory oriented and ignores practical skills and activities. Meanwhile, employers cannot find employees who can quickly adjust to the workplace. This disconnect has created a cycle of disappointment, on both sides.
Another main gap is the lack of meaningful industry engagement. Internship opportunities are very limited, there is hardly any adequate career guidance and technical education is looked down upon. To move forward, education reforms must put employability first. There is a need for practical coursework, compulsory internships and industry-led training modules in universities. The government must also expand and modernise technical education institutes to provide credible alternatives for young people.
Khadija Bokhari
Lahore
