STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD: In Pakistan, the youth make up 64% of the total population, but only a mere 6% have access to higher education, while a significant 29% have received no education at all, as revealed by the ‘Pakistan’s National Human Development Report’.
Published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Sunday, the report sheds light on the current status of the youth population in the country. It emphasizes that 39% of young individuals face notable gender disparities, and many lack opportunities for connectivity and social engagement.
According to the report, merely 4% of the country’s youth are actively pursuing employment, while 57% remain disconnected from employment opportunities. Additionally, a substantial majority of young people have limited access to resources such as the internet, cell phones, libraries, and sports facilities.
Furthermore, the report highlights that despite Pakistan’s constitutional commitment to providing free education for all, around 9.45 million children are not enrolled in primary schools. At the present rate, complete enrollment is not projected until the year 2076.
The report suggests several strategies to effectively leverage the youth population as a demographic advantage. To align with the global education goal by 2030, it stresses the need to quadruple the annual net enrollment rate from the current 0.92% to 3.8%.
With approximately 4 million young individuals joining the working-age population each year, the report observes, “This demographic bulge can be channeled as a force for positive transformation, particularly in the context of family planning and more effective population management.”
However, without targeted interventions, the report cautions that the current rates of labor force participation and unemployment will struggle to accommodate this influx. “To tackle this challenge, about 1.3 million jobs need to be generated annually over the next five years to reduce unemployment.”
The UNDP report acknowledges the ‘Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK)’ initiative led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), recognizing the potential of Pakistan’s youth demographic.
The report states, “The KhairKhwah platform, as part of the DAFPAK program, is a commendable endeavor to empower young individuals with knowledge about reproductive health and family planning. However, to fully unlock the demographic advantage, a comprehensive approach is essential.”
It proposes that the country should concentrate on holistic educational reforms, bridging gender disparities, offering skill development opportunities, and improving job prospects. “Quality education must be accessible to the youth, equipping them with relevant skills for the workforce,” the report asserts.
Moreover, the report underscores the significance of initiatives promoting gender equality, describing them as vital to ensure equal chances for all. Furthermore, creating a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneurship and innovation could drive economic growth.
The report suggests that Pakistan’s authorities can convert challenges into opportunities by investing in education, skills, and prospects, underscoring that the Pakistani youth possess the potential to lead progress, healthier families, and economic advancement.
Through combined efforts involving the government, civil society, and international partners like FCDO’s DAFPAK, “we can guarantee that our youth assume a pivotal role in shaping a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan for the generations ahead,” states the report in a press release.