PAKISTAN’S Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a cornerstone of the country’s economy, contributing over 60% of employment and around 35% of export value.

These businesses are already performing admirably, but their true potential remains largely untapped. The issue does not lie with SMEs themselves, but with an education system that has failed to equip the workforce with the practical skills businesses need to grow.

Pakistan’s education system is not aligned with the real-world needs of industry. Schools, colleges, and universities still focus heavily on academic qualifications, while practical skills receive far less attention. As a result, many graduates struggle to find employment because they lack the abilities، the employers, especially SMEs, actually require. This gap between classroom learning and workplace needs is holding back both young people and the wider economy.

What Pakistan needs is a system where every student, regardless of their field of study, graduates with at least one practical skill. Vocational training should be integrated into every stage of education, from school to university. Students should learn a trade, practice it, and develop real competence, so they are ready to contribute immediately to the workforce. Whether in digital skills, technical trades, business........

© Pakistan Observer