Unemployment among educated young people is draining this nation of its most valuable resource, and the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. What makes it worse is that even available opportunities are often inaccessible without references (sifarish), leaving meritorious candidates with no path forward. The result is brain drain: educated young Pakistanis are leaving their own country because they see no future here.
Another large part of the problem lies in the disconnect between our education system and the demands of today’s job market. Universities are producing degrees but not employable skills. The government must work directly with institutions to align curricula with emerging industries so that graduates are market-ready and Pakistan can compete globally. We are already a developing nation struggling with basic necessities. We cannot afford to lose our most valuable asset: our youth.
Malaika Farooq
Lahore
