Pakistan has a massive demographic dividend with over 64% of its 255 million population under 30 — one of the youngest populations in the world.

This youth bulge is both a huge opportunity and a major risk — it can drive strong economic growth only if young people are properly educated, skilled, and employed.

Realizing the dividend requires urgent investment in education, skills training, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and job creation to avoid rising unemployment and social instability.

Pakistan is at a critical period of its national growth. Its greatest asset is its population of young people. The population of Pakistan is estimated to be more than 255 million people, such that almost 64 per cent of the population is aged below 30, and around 26 per cent is in the key youth category of 15-29 years. This has resulted in Pakistan being one of the youngest countries in the world. Most importantly, the working age population (aged 15-64) makes up about 59-60 percent of the population. The good demography provides Pakistan with a golden opportunity to boost its economic growth, enhance national competitiveness and create a more productive society. But the demographic dividend is not a given. It is a dividend only when young citizens are educated, skilled, and healthy and engaged in productive activities.

The best natural resource of Pakistan is not under the earth, it’s in the classrooms, universities, workplaces, farms, factories, startups and digital platforms. The investment of the state, private sector and society in human capital can make a youthful society the catalyst for sustainable economic growth. The window of demographic opportunity is till estimated to be available until around 2055, allowing Pakistan to tap its demographic potential for generation of national prosperity within next three decades. The failure to make use of this opportunity could lead to unemployment, frustration and social pressure among those who are young. With proper management........

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