40 % people of 15-24 years group are unemployed- UNICEF report

A recently released report by UNICEF, says that more than 60% of Pakistan’s population fall in the age group of 15-24 years, the second highest bulge of population. Sociologists and health experts say this age group is full of energy and ability to work hard, and excitement and enthusiasm to contribute to society and the nation at large. But it is a sad reality that in Pakistan, up to 40% people in this age group are unemployed. Instead of cultivating and strengthening the country’s economy, this untapped asset continues to cripple its stability. 
Population Council’s report titled “Youth in Pakistan: Priorities, Realities and Policy Responses” laments country’s measly score of 0.63 on the Commonwealth Youth Development Index, slating it as 22nd out of 54 countries. Not only the uneducated but the rising number of college graduates is further exacerbating the situation. 
It is sad reality that successive governments have failed to tackle the issue effectively for various reason. During the last one-and-a-half decades, the menace of terrorism and extremism has afflicted the country while the electricity shortage has worsened, forcing the industrialists to close down units in the country or shift businesses abroad. 
In such circumstances, private and non-governmental sectors have provided some relief to those direly in need of learning skills to improve their employability. Twenty-year-old Muhammad Usman is one such individual who has not only progressed personally but also helped his family get rid of poverty to some extent. Being a student at a madressah in Muzaffargarh, he was provided with an opportunity by a non-profit organization to learn computer skills. During the short course, conducted at his madressah, he learnt basics of computer software and hardware programs. 
As mobile phone and computer maintenance have become an industry in itself, Usman did not face much difficulty in finding a job at a computer/ laptop repair and maintenance shop in Muzaffargarh. Interestingly, there are at least 30 million internet users in Pakistan, and half of them use computers and laptops for the purpose. A report released last year says that internet outreach in the country has reached 16%, while broadband subscribers have more than doubled in the last two years. 
Muhammad Usman’s father has retired as a government employee and has a large family comprising 10 members to support. Being the eldest amongst his siblings, Usman finds it necessary to help his father to support the family. After retirement, his father sought employment as a security guard in private sector, but his current wages as well as pension prove insufficient to make ends meet. However, Usman’s daily earning of RS 200-250 is a blessing for the family. He is not only continuing his studies at the madressah but also brings home some money on a daily basis. 
There is no denying the fact that youth development as well as creating more job opportunities is a serious challenge. The government alone appears to be unable to tackle this gigantic task, and therefore the private sector would have to come forward and play its role. Only proper education, opportunities for an employment and a reasonable earning can save the youth from falling prey to the terrorist and extremist elements.