Rising Unemployment Poses Serious Threat to Pakistan’s Economy, PMML Leader Warns

By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) Deputy Secretary General Khalid Naik has expressed grave concern over the rising unemployment rate highlighted in the latest Labour Force Survey released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, warning that the trend poses a significant threat to the country’s economic stability.

Naik said the national unemployment rate climbing to nearly 7 percent reflects the failure of current economic policies to generate sufficient job opportunities. He noted that around 54 percent of Pakistan’s population falls within the working-age group of 15 to 59 years — a demographic advantage that should ideally fuel economic growth, but is instead turning into a challenge due to limited employment prospects.

He added that sluggish GDP growth, reduced industrial activity, persistent crises in the agriculture sector, and stagnating investment have already placed millions of households under financial strain. Without immediate and comprehensive reforms, he warned, unemployment pressures will continue to rise, potentially triggering deeper socio-economic instability.

Calling for urgent government action, Naik urged the launch of an emergency nationwide youth employment program, along with practical reforms to revive industrial and agricultural productivity. He also emphasized the need for investment in skill-building initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s human capital.

Naik highlighted that the Markazi Muslim League has already introduced its “Apna Kamao” Digital Programme, aimed at equipping young Pakistanis with modern digital skills. “We are committed to empowering our youth with marketable skills so they can become productive, responsible, and self-reliant members of society,” he said.