Pakistan’s unemployment rose to 5.9 million, pushing the jobless rate to 7.1 percent, even as total employment increased to 77.2 million, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26.
The survey highlights a widening gap between workforce growth and job creation, with concerns that rising population pressure is not being matched by sufficient employment opportunities.
Pakistan’s total population has reached 252.09 million, growing 2.07 percent during 2025. The male population stands at 129.64 million, while females number 122.45 million.
Punjab remains the largest province with 133.36 million people, followed by Sindh at 58.27 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 42.68 million, and Balochistan at 15.22 million.
A key feature of the demographic profile is its youth-heavy structure. Over one-quarter of the population is aged 15–29, while around 57 percent falls within the working-age group.
The survey says this youth bulge presents both opportunity and risk—offering strong economic potential if jobs and skills development keep pace, but adding pressure if employment growth remains limited.
To address this, the government has expanded youth-focused initiatives, including skills training programmes, entrepreneurship support schemes, and digital access projects such as laptop distribution.
Officials stress that future growth will depend heavily on human capital development, job creation, and better alignment between education outcomes and labour market demand.
The report concludes that Pakistan’s demographic expansion can only translate into economic benefit if unemployment is effectively managed and workforce absorption improves.
ترقی کے ثمرات