Nearly 6 Million Jobless: Pakistan’s Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.1%

Pakistan’s labour market is facing renewed pressure as the unemployment rate has risen to 7.1 percent, leaving close to six million individuals without work opportunities, according to the latest Economic Survey. Although total employment has increased to around 77.2 million, the pace of job creation is still falling behind the rapid expansion of the working-age population. With a significant share of citizens now belonging to the youth and working-age segment, thousands more enter the labour force each year, intensifying competition for limited openings. Experts argue that this imbalance reflects structural weaknesses in the economy, where growth has not translated into enough quality and stable jobs. Economists further caution that Pakistan’s demographic surge, often described as a “youth bulge,” could become a liability rather than an advantage if not matched with productive economic opportunities. Concerns are also being raised about the impact and reach of current skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment facilitation programs. While the government continues to promote digital skills, AI training, and youth empowerment initiatives, analysts emphasize that long-term stability will depend on sustained private-sector investment, industrial expansion, and diversified economic growth capable of absorbing the rising labour force.