As Pakistan’s economic crisis persists, it continues to fuel youth unemployment, as well as casting a shadow of economic insecurity and growth.
According to a Pakistan-based ARY News, employment crisis has grappled the country, with concerns of population growth compounding the unemployment issue.
The Planning Commission briefed the Senate Committee on Planning and highlighted economic challenges in faced in the country and the rising youth unemployment.
At a recent meeting, chairperson Quratul Ain expressed concerns over the rapid population growth and emphasised the need for immediate measures to be taken.
The Planning Commission stressed that Pakistan’s GDP growth stands at 3.5%, which is which is lower than the required 7% for sustained economic development.
During the briefing, the officials outlined a five-year plan focused on leveraging technology, promoting tourism, and increasing agricultural productivity.
ARY News reported that foreign investment, governance improvements in the energy sector and industrial development were termed critical for the economic stability of Pakistan.
The news report said the proposal for private sector investment and boosting the SME sector are also mentioned in the plan.
“Officials emphasised the importance of removing poverty, enhancing human resources, and implementing institutional reforms to tackle Pakistan's economic and social challenges,” said the ARY News report.
Several members of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan organised a protest in Karachi in August.
The protest was a platform for the disgruntled members to raise their concerns against the soaring inflation and unfair taxes imposed by government.
“The skyrocketing inflation and high taxes have been severely impacting the survival of our families,” said the protesters.
The protesters claimed that the government's policies have caused them immense pain.
They also criticised the government’s imposition of high taxes on essential commodities and services, exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by the public.
A woman protester said the only tragedy in Karachi is heavy taxes and expensive electricity.
“We are now fed up with these baseless taxes and skyrocketing inflation and are now forced to come out on the streets and raise our voices.”
She said only the government is responsible for our agitation.
“The bills that used to be around mere hundreds are now totalling thousands of rupees, and that too is only because of inflation and taxes.”
She said we have even heard people committing suicide due to poverty.
“There are households where children lack education and people are not able to get enough food on the table. People are now able to afford either the education of their children, pay for their family's food, or pay their bills.”
The Star