Pakistan has a large youth population, with 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey 2024-25. The age group accounts for 18.5% of the country’s total population and 25.8% of its working-age population. This large pool of young people can be one of Pakistan’s greatest strengths. Young people bring energy, creativity, ambition and new ideas. They can drive businesses, support industries and contribute to economic growth. However, when millions struggle to find decent and stable employment, this advantage can quickly become a serious economic and social challenge. The latest figures show why the issue needs immediate attention. Pakistan’s overall unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in 2024-25, while the labour force participation rate stood at 46.3%. More concerning is the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, known as NEET. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics estimates that 28.4% of the people aged 15 to 24 fell into this category in 2024-25. The situation is particularly worrisome for young women, with 45.4% classified as NEET, compared with 13% of young men. For many young Pakistanis, completin
