Global changes are transforming many things – especially technology, the environment, and the economy – and skills are evolving very rapidly. These shifts have strongly affected livelihoods in Pakistan. The government should practically implement policies in every province so that young people and business owners can align themselves with these global changes and prepare for the digital economy and climate-based challenges. In Punjab, under the current Chief Minister’s leadership, several measures are being taken to prepare for the future. Still, all government and private institutions must continuously run training programs and frequent workshops so that everyone can expand the scope of their work to meet these changes.
Digital skills are of the highest importance – the whole world has gone digital. In the coming era, whoever possesses digital skills will remain in demand. There are many reasons to learn these skills: freelancing abilities and IT/tech skills such as web development, app development, cloud, and cybersecurity training. Also important are automation and AI skills, AI content creation, e-commerce, data skills (Excel, data analysis, Power BI), and similar programs. Alongside these, gain proficiency in other languages, because later they may need to travel for global jobs – at minimum they should be able to speak, read, and write English. For Gulf jobs and future trade, learning Arabic or Chinese is advisable. Freelancers should be helped to find target platforms.
Regarding environmental change, the fastest growth in Pakistan over the next 10-20 years will be in environmental industries. Young people should learn trades such as solar installation and maintenance, green agriculture, water management, renewable energy technologies, and carbon credits/carbon-related skills. For youth willing to work abroad, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects (Gulf tech jobs), skilled-worker visas (UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, etc.), and demand for agriculture and construction skills will open opportunities. Always keep global uncertainties in mind and save at least 10 rupees out of every 100. The future belongs to those who learn quickly and choose these sectors. They should cultivate self-discipline and make future-oriented working habits, because these qualities are more valuable and powerful than any single job.
In Pakistan, many families consider these activities a waste of time. But today we see jobs disappearing rapidly – whoever learns future-oriented skills will be able to secure their family’s future. Young people should avoid wasting time on their phones and instead learn practical skills for two to three hours a day. The small trades that seem insignificant now will become the four wheels of your life’s vehicle in the future. Instead of wandering aimlessly, combine studies with responsibility: take on a job or start a business so your family doesn’t bear all the risk. This will increase parents’ confidence in you.
Our government must recognize changing times. The unemployment rate among youth aged 15-24 is 11.1%; if we look at ages up to 35, the rate is even higher. East Asian countries like China, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam adopted effective government actions in similar circumstances; Pakistan can design equally effective policies. The government should modernize technical institutions and partner with the private sector to start “skill-to-job” programs. Short courses of 6-12 months should be created and directly linked to employment. Provide zero-interest loans for small businesses and specific funds for women entrepreneurs. The easier it is for young people to start businesses, the faster unemployment will fall. Offer tax relief, affordable electricity packages, and training-plus-job contracts for youth. The government should activate and build more industrial parks and factories, which create millions of jobs.
For the digital economy and freelancing, the government should adopt proactive policies: provide cheap internet and introduce secure payment systems like PayPal/Stripe so Pakistani youth can benefit from government-backed, safe payment methods. Vietnam, China, and Thailand empowered rural youth with technology and turned poor villages prosperous; Pakistan should do the same – provide modern seeds on credit, solar tube wells, and shared machinery centers for small farmers, and export agricultural products directly. For rural youth, these are the best solutions.
A corruption-free system is any country’s strength; it restores young people’s confidence. If the Government of Pakistan becomes a strong pillar for its youth, not only will millions of lives and households improve, but Pakistan’s future will also be bright because of these young people.
