In a land where over 60 percent of the population stands on the young, eager shoulders of its youth, Pakistan finds itself at a critical crossroads. For years, the dreams of this youthful majority were clouded by the rising specter of unemployment—a silent crisis that reached unprecedented levels after 2018. A cocktail of ill-planned policies, institutional inertia, and the unforgiving blow of the COVID-19 pandemic left millions stranded in joblessness, their ambitions paused, their futures blurred.
But tides, however turbulent, do not remain still forever.
In the 1.5-year tenure of the current PML-N government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a perceptible shift has begun to stir. The grey skies of despair have seen glimmers of pragmatic hope. With a people-first approach, this administration has rolled out a series of reforms aimed at pulling the nation out of the employment quagmire and channeling the energy of its youth into productive avenues.
Among the flagship efforts is the government’s revitalized focus on the Information Technology sector—an industry that not only connects Pakistan to global markets but also empowers its young minds with skills, innovation, and sustainable income. With a rapidly digitizing world knocking at our door, this strategic investment is both timely and visionary.
But perhaps one of the most symbolic steps taken in recent days is the distribution of electric bikes, vehicles, and loader rickshaws to unemployed individuals. This isn’t merely a transport solution—it’s a multi-faceted initiative touching employment, environment, and energy conservation all at once. With one stroke, the Prime Minister has aimed at reducing unemployment, curbing emissions, saving vital foreign exchange spent on fuel imports, and boosting local manufacturing.
The wheels of these electric rides represent more than just mobility—they symbolize movement toward a greener, more self-reliant, and hopeful Pakistan.
Of course, challenges remain. A youth bulge can become either a dividend or a disaster, depending on the direction it is steered. But with a leadership that recognizes the gravity of the issue and responds with people-centric, forward-looking policies, Pakistan has reason to believe that its best days may yet lie ahead.
The government’s recent actions deserve commendation—not as a full stop, but as a promising beginning. Let this not be a lone chapter, but the opening of a new volume in Pakistan’s socioeconomic transformation, driven by its youth and fueled by clean, meaningful employment.
