Pakistan’s job market is facing one of its toughest periods in recent years. According to the latest Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) labour survey, the number of unemployed individuals has jumped by nearly 31%, rising from 4.5 million in 2020–21 to about 5.9 million in 2024–25. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a reflection of real families struggling, young people losing hope, and a labour market that’s fighting to stay afloat. In this guide, we break down what’s happening, why unemployment is rising, who’s being affected, and what steps individuals can take to survive in this tough economy.
What’s Causing the Spike in Unemployment?
There isn’t one single reason for this rise — it’s a combination of economic slowdowns, inflation, business closures, and reduced investments. Over the past few years, many companies have downsized or shut down due to high operational costs and unstable economic conditions. Manufacturing slowed down, exports struggled, and small businesses — which provide the majority of jobs in Pakistan — faced massive losses. Another major factor is the mismatch between the skills young people have and the skills companies actually need. Technology is evolving fast, but our workforce is not keeping up at the same pace. As a result, even educated people are finding it difficult to secure stable jobs. The PBS report shows that unemployment has increased across all age groups and genders, meaning it’s no longer limited to young graduates — it’s now affecting experienced professionals, women, and older workers as well.
How This Affects Families and Daily Life
Growing unemployment has a direct impact on household budgets. With incomes dropping and prices rising, families are forced to cut down on essentials. Many homes now rely on a single income instead of two, increasing financial stress. Middle-class families — previously stable — are now slipping into debt because salaries don’t match inflation. More people are taking odd jobs, short-term gigs, or low-paying work just to keep up with daily expenses. When one person in a family loses a job, the entire household feels the pressure.
The “Symptoms” of a Weak Labour Market
When unemployment rises sharply, you start seeing signs everywhere. Here are some “symptoms” showing the labour market is under strain:
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More graduates waiting months or years for their first job
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Experienced workers applying for entry-level positions
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Rise in informal or cash-based jobs due to lack of formal opportunities
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Increased emigration as people seek work in Gulf countries
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Higher competition for every vacancy posted
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Declining job security and increasing contract-based hiring
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it means the job market is becoming tougher and more crowded.
Who Is Being Affected the Most?
The PBS report highlights that no group is safe, but some are more vulnerable than others. Youth (ages 18–30) remain the hardest hit. Every year, hundreds of thousands of new graduates enter the job market, but there are not enough opportunities to absorb them. Women are also significantly affected, especially in conservative areas where limited mobility and fewer employment options make job hunting difficult. Older workers (40+) face a different challenge — when they lose a job, companies often prefer hiring younger, cheaper workers, leaving older employees struggling to re-enter the workforce.
Why Women Are Being Hit Hard
Women’s unemployment is rising faster due to shrinking opportunities in education, healthcare, retail, and service sectors — industries where many women work. Many women who previously worked from home (such as tutors, home-based workers, or small entrepreneurs) also report lower demand, rising costs, and fewer clients.
How Pakistan’s Economy Feels the Impact
A rising unemployment rate doesn’t just affect individuals — it affects the whole country. When more people are out of work:
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Household spending drops
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Businesses earn less revenue
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Government tax collection decreases
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Poverty levels rise
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Crime and social unrest increase
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Economic growth slows even further
In simple words, unemployment weakens the backbone of the economy.
What People Can Do to Protect Themselves
The job market may be difficult, but there are several practical steps individuals can take to improve their chances:
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Learn high-demand skills such as digital marketing, freelancing, AI tools, accounting software, design, or programming
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Upgrade your CV and keep a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn
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Focus on freelancing to earn side income while searching for a permanent job
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Start small online businesses like reselling, home-based baking, crafting, or digital services
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Take short courses to stay relevant, especially in fast-changing fields
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Build a portfolio to showcase your work instead of only relying on degrees
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Network actively through events, professional groups, and online communities
In a tough job market, the biggest advantage is adaptability.
How the Government Can Improve the Situation
While individuals can upskill and adapt, real, long-term improvement must come from government policies. Pakistan needs:
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More investment in industries that create jobs, like manufacturing and IT
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Better training programs aligned with market needs
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Incentives for companies to hire fresh graduates
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Affordable loans for small businesses and startups
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Improved women workforce participation
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Encouragement of freelancing and export-based digital services
If these areas improve, unemployment can slowly decline.
Final Thoughts
A 31% rise in unemployment is a serious warning sign — not just for the economy, but for millions of households. Pakistan is facing a tough job market, and people are feeling the pressure more than ever. But with awareness, skill development, and proactive planning, individuals can still find opportunities even in a difficult economy. The key is to stay updated, stay flexible, and keep moving forward.
