Pakistan's budget reveals alarming youth unemployment and skills gap

Pakistan's 2025-26 budget highlights a concerning 6.3% unemployment rate, disproportionately affecting youth aged 15-35. The budget also reveals a significant skills gap. The unemployment issue is particularly acute for young job seekers, with nearly 45% aged 15-24 unemployed, and female unemployment significantly higher than male. A large workforce of 71.8 million faces a mismatch between available jobs and skills. The government is addressing these challenges with initiatives including fiscal consolidation, privatization, and regulatory reforms. The country's large youth population presents both opportunities and challenges for the future.