Pakistan stands at a digital crossroads. With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, the country has one of the youngest populations in the world. This youth bulge, if leveraged correctly, can be the nation’s most significant asset in the 21st century—the digital century. But instead, it’s becoming one of its biggest challenges.
Despite this demographic dividend, a large number of young Pakistanis remain unemployed or underemployed. The real tragedy? Many of them are educated, even technically trained—but still unable to find meaningful work in the country’s sluggish economy. The reason? A disconnect between education, technology, and industry needs.
Let’s break down why this is happening, and more importantly, how Pakistan can pivot toward a tech-forward future.
From Potential to Problem: What Went Wrong?
Pakistan’s efforts to educate and technically skill its youth aren’t new. In the early 2000s, the then-President Pervez Musharraf pushed forward a wave of education and technical training reforms. Under his regime, technical and vocational training institutes mushroomed across the country. These included public-private partnerships and new government-led initiatives aimed at producing a workforce ready for industrial growth.
One of the most impactful initiatives was TEVTA (Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority), which continues to function today across provinces. Over the last two decades, more than 30 million students have enrolled in TEVTA-affiliated programs. These include short-term courses (3-6 months) and long-term diploma programs (1-3 years) focused on trades like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, computer hardware, and basic software skills.
But here’s the catch: Learning a skill is only useful if there’s a market demand for it. And over time, that demand has sharply declined.
The Tech-Industry Disconnect
Pakistan’s traditional industries—construction, manufacturing, textile—have been slow to adopt automation and digitization. And while global economies are racing toward artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, and green tech, Pakistan’s industrial policies remain focused on outdated modes of production.
So, what happens when you train a million young people in outdated technologies, or without pathways to global opportunities?
You get mass underemployment, brain drain, and frustration.
Imagine this: a young man from Multan completes a six-month course in computer hardware. He’s competent, he’s eager—but the local economy doesn’t need another computer technician. The local market is saturated. He doesn’t have access to remote work opportunities, and there’s no mentorship to guide him toward software development, UI/UX design, or freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
That’s where the opportunity gap lies—and where technology could be the savior.
Technology: The Great Equalizer
Despite its struggles, Pakistan is not without hope. The country is witnessing a digital awakening. Internet penetration has grown, mobile broadband (4G) is becoming more accessible, and smartphones are in the hands of over 190 million people. This connectivity could become a launchpad for the youth if the right policies and support systems are put in place.
Here are five tech-forward solutions that can help Pakistan turn its youth into a productive digital workforce:
1. Align Technical Education with Industry 4.0
Pakistan needs to reimagine its technical education for the digital era. That means shifting focus from outdated trades to emerging technologies like:
- Web and mobile development
- AI and machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data science and analytics
- Cloud computing
- Blockchain and Web3
- Digital marketing
The curriculum must be revised in partnership with tech companies, both local and international, so that students are learning what the market demands.
2. Freelance Economy: A Missed Opportunity
Pakistan is currently the 4th largest freelance market in the world. That’s massive. According to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), freelance earnings are projected to cross $1 billion annually in the next few years.
And yet, most young people have no idea how to start freelancing. There’s a need for nationwide bootcamps and micro-courses that teach students how to set up accounts on Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, and even LinkedIn. Soft skills like client communication, time management, and portfolio building should be part of the syllabus.
With just a laptop and an internet connection, a Pakistani student from Bahawalpur or Swat can be earning in dollars within months—if given the right tools and mentorship.
3. Incentivize Tech Startups and Incubators
Pakistan’s startup ecosystem saw a boom between 2020 and 2022, but funding has slowed recently due to global economic uncertainty. Still, the potential is enormous. Programs like National Incubation Center (NIC) and Ignite have shown promise in developing local talent and products.
The government must double down on:
- Offering tax relief and seed funding for tech entrepreneurs
- Creating local co-working spaces in second- and third-tier cities
- Partnering with global accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars
- Allowing more flexibility in internet infrastructure and e-commerce regulations
Every successful startup creates jobs—and not just for engineers, but for marketers, writers, designers, and salespeople.
4. Public-Private Partnerships for Digital Skills
Companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are already offering free certifications through platforms like Grow with Google, Meta Blueprint, and LinkedIn Learning. The Pakistani government should partner with these tech giants to scale these programs across public universities and technical colleges.
Imagine TEVTA students graduating with a globally recognized Google IT Certificate or a Meta Digital Marketing credential. It instantly improves employability and opens up both local and remote job opportunities.
5. Exporting Tech Talent: A Brain Gain, Not a Brain Drain
Pakistan shouldn’t be afraid of exporting its talent abroad. In fact, countries like India and the Philippines have leveraged their overseas talent to build billion-dollar tech economies back home.
The government should facilitate:
- Remote jobs in the international tech sector
- Legal and safe pathways for tech-based migration
- Policies that allow overseas Pakistanis to invest back into tech education and startups
- A database of skilled Pakistani freelancers and developers for global recruiters
Done right, this turns a potential brain drain into a brain gain—as remittances, expertise, and international exposure feed back into the local economy.
A Glimmer of Hope: Signs of Progress
While the past few governments haven’t always prioritized tech-driven growth, there have been some bright spots. The DigiSkills.pk initiative, backed by the Ministry of IT, has trained over 3 million youth in digital skills, including freelancing and e-commerce. Similarly, E-Rozgar centers in Punjab and KP are offering free training and workspace for aspiring freelancers.
Pakistan’s IT exports crossed $2.6 billion in 2023, and the sector is growing at 15–20% annually. These numbers show there is demand for digital services globally—and Pakistani youth can meet that demand with the right support.
Conclusion: The Future is Tech, and the Time is Now
Pakistan’s youth are not a burden—they are the key to the country’s economic survival and revival. But to unlock this potential, there needs to be a national pivot toward technology. Not just in rhetoric, but in policy, infrastructure, education, and investment.
Imagine a Pakistan where a 19-year-old girl from Gilgit can code for a Canadian startup. Where a young man in Sukkur designs mobile apps for Silicon Valley companies. Where a freelancer in Quetta builds websites for Dubai-based businesses.
That future is not just possible—it’s within reach.
But it requires vision, coordination, and bold digital leadership.
Pakistan has the people. It has the potential. Now it just needs to plug into the future.
