Sindh, a province already weighed down by a number of complex issues, is now facing yet another silent crisis-an alarming rise in mental stress among its youth. The growing uncertainty about employment opportunities is fueling frustration, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness in young individuals who find themselves increasingly trapped between long years of education and a shrinking job market.
While job scarcity alone is troubling, the policies introduced by the Sindh government in recent years have added to the difficulties. The age limit currently set for most government job applications stands between 30 to 33 years. In a few cases, it extends to 35-but only for candidates with prior government service. This age cap does not reflect the current academic journey of students, where at least 16 years of education are required for most respectable public-sector jobs. With increasing delays in the academic process, many deserving candidates lose eligibility before they can even apply.
Take for example the recent case of recruitment for Elementary School Teachers (ECT), where the maximum age limit was fixed at 28 years and a B.Ed degree was mandatory. A student typically completes graduation by the age of 23, and most candidates pursuing a B.Ed are older than 25. This meant only those who had completed their degrees within a very short recent window could apply. Though this policy was later revised due to public pressure and the limit was extended to 33 years, the initial announcement had already excluded many eligible and qualified candidates from even applying.
Despite this adjustment, the problem remains. The age cap of 33 years is still being enforced in most public sector job openings, which is increasingly becoming a matter of concern. This rigidity is especially troubling when one considers the pace and condition of Sindh’s education system. Delays in examination results, irregular academic calendars, and an outdated system contribute to slowing down students’ progress. When the time taken to complete a degree is longer, the opportunity window for employment must logically also be widened.
What adds more complexity to the issue is the government’s decision to convert the two-year graduation system into a four-year degree program. Although this step may have been taken to align with international education standards, it has, in effect, extended the academic timeline for most students by two additional years. Yet, ironically, job eligibility ages were not revised to reflect this shift. This contradiction is hurting the very generation that the system is supposed to support.
The psychological toll of these circumstances cannot be ignored. The pressure to succeed within a shrinking timeframe, the fear of ageing out of eligibility, and the disappointment of watching opportunities pass by-all contribute to rising levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression among young people. What’s worse is the absence of effective mental health support systems in educational institutions and public spaces. Students are left to cope alone, and many end up feeling directionless.
Moreover, long-term unemployment is not just an individual problem-it becomes a societal one. Frustrated youth often fall into cycles of social withdrawal, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or in some cases, even crime. When large segments of the population feel they have no stake in the future, the broader fabric of society weakens.
In contrast, some other provinces have adopted more flexible policies. In Punjab, for instance, the upper age limit for applying to government jobs was raised from 42 to 45 years. This decision was not only logical but necessary, given the current economic and academic delays that young people across the country are facing. If Punjab can adopt such measures, why can’t Sindh? Introducing a uniform age limit of at least 35 years (excluding additional age relaxations) across all departments would be a just and rational step.
It is also essential to look beyond government jobs alone. While such jobs remain the most secure option for many, the government should also focus on launching and promoting skill development programs. Practical training in trades, technology, entrepreneurship, and digital skills can provide young people with alternative career paths. This would not only ease the burden on the public sector but also empower the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Given the country’s fragile economic situation, starting a business is often not a viable option for many. Private sector jobs, too, usually offer low salaries with little job security. In such a scenario, government employment remains the only dependable route to financial stability for the majority of Sindh’s youth. But for that to be realistic and fair, the road to such employment must be accessible and inclusive.
In a nutshell, the solution lies not in further complicating recruitment policies but in simplifying them-by aligning age limits with educational realities, addressing mental health needs, expanding skill-based training, and most importantly, treating youth not as a burden but as the backbone of the province’s future. Only then can we ensure a hopeful and empowered future for the young generation of Sindh.
