The Living Standards of Pakistan

The flood water is poured into the town.

In the 2018 elections, the PTI established a government in the centre and in a few provinces on the name of change. There was a manifesto of the Party was to create Naya Pakistan. However, after being in the centre around a year and a half, it doesn’t change a lot.

A few days ago, I was in the market to buy something vegetables and fruits, however, everything is so expensive. The vegetables are twice or thrice as compare to previous prices. Is this being the change the manifesto of the party promised?

Now, the question arises that how the poor can feed their children. The ones who earn only a small amount of money. How a person can educate their children. There are many problems in the country but making dozens of taxes on poor people and shutting the public and private industry sectors. Was it the PTI promised?

According to the census of Pakistan, above sixty per cent of Pakistan are below the 30-year-old. There is a lot of potential for the growth, and, uplift of the economy. Most of the youth are just free and looking for an opportunity that can pave the pay for a sustainable life.

The Imran Khan, the Prime Minister, the cricketer, made many promises; he is trying from the bottom of the heart to get the country out of the debt trap, albeit it isn’t the way as Khan is thinking.

Above all, the standards of living cannot be improved without creating opportunities for the common people. There are many industries in the public and private sector are rotting due to hurdles made by the Government. Further, everybody should contribute his share to uplift the country. A wise man said, none of the nations succeeds with only making plans; but, by implementing plans.

Pakistan’s Youth and the Untapped Tech Potential: A Nation at a Crossroads

A lady is typing on Mac book.

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.

Why Do Poverty Alleviation Programs Fail in Pakistan? A Tech-Centric Perspective on a Persistent Crisis

sleeping poor man

Poverty is one of the most pressing and persistent challenges facing Pakistan. Over the decades, successive governments have launched various poverty alleviation initiatives, aiming to uplift millions of citizens out of financial hardship. And yet, here we are—well into the digital age—with staggering poverty levels, rising unemployment, and a nation still trapped in economic fragility.

The question is: why are these programs failing—especially in a time when technology can be a game-changer?

In this article, we’ll explore the roots of this failure, analyze some of the more popular initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), e-Rozgaar, and the PM Laptop Scheme, and highlight how a technology-first approach, coupled with transparency and skill-building, could turn things around.

1. Poverty in Pakistan: The Big Picture

Despite its rich culture, strategic location, and young population, Pakistan remains economically unstable. Around 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, and that number continues to fluctuate with inflation, unemployment, and political instability.

After independence in 1947, Pakistan had a chance to build an inclusive economy, free from colonial influence. But unfortunately, political mismanagement and inconsistent policies stifled progress. Even as the world moved toward digitization and innovation, Pakistan remained stuck in old frameworks.

The 1960s were a turning point. While Pakistan wasn’t considered “rich,” it wasn’t buried under foreign debt either. At one point, the country even loaned $8 million to Germany—a historic fact that now sounds ironic given today’s debt-laden reality.

So, what went wrong? And more importantly, how can technology be a part of the solution?

2. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP): A Band-Aid on a Broken System

Let’s start with one of the most well-known initiatives—BISP. Launched in 2008 by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), it was designed to offer financial support to low-income families. Beneficiaries receive a modest stipend (currently PKR 6,000 every three months) to help with basic needs like food and utilities.

While the intent behind BISP is noble, the execution lacks depth. It functions more like a charity than a poverty elimination tool. It provides temporary relief but no sustainable economic pathway. In tech terms, it’s like offering a free trial of a productivity tool without giving users the skills or subscription needed to actually use it long-term.

Furthermore, the program doesn’t leverage modern financial technologies like digital wallets, microfinance platforms, or blockchain-based disbursement tracking—all of which could reduce corruption, enhance efficiency, and improve targeting accuracy.

3. e-Rozgaar: A Glimmer of Hope in the Digital Desert

In 2016, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) launched an ambitious initiative called e-Rozgaar—a freelancing and digital skills training program targeting unemployed graduates.

This was a breath of fresh air. For the first time, a poverty alleviation initiative was rooted in skill development and technology. Participants were trained in content writing, graphic design, digital marketing, and web development. Many graduates of the program began earning through freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal—bringing not only income but also foreign remittances into the country.

So why hasn’t this program scaled nationally? Why is it limited mostly to Punjab?

Here’s where we see the need for a national-level tech-based employment strategy. Instead of seeing freelancing as an “alternative” career, the government needs to brand it as a primary opportunity, especially in the context of global gig economy growth.

4. PM Laptop Scheme: Great Concept, Limited Reach

The Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, aimed to empower youth through access to digital tools. Students from metric level and above were provided laptops, especially those with high academic performance.

This initiative acknowledged a critical fact: access to technology is a right, not a luxury.

But again, the execution was flawed. Laptops were distributed without a structured support system for using them productively. Without digital literacy training, high-speed internet access, and mentorship, many of these laptops ended up as gaming devices or sat unused.

A smarter approach would have included:

  • Pre-installed educational and freelancing tools.
  • Partnerships with ed-tech platforms like Coursera, Digiskills, or Udemy.
  • A built-in tracker to measure usage and engagement.

By integrating hardware with cloud-based learning platforms, we could have created a nationwide digital learning ecosystem.

5. The Missing Piece: A Tech-Driven Ecosystem

When we step back and look at these programs, a pattern emerges: a lack of interconnectedness. Programs operate in silos without a unified vision.

What Pakistan needs is a technology-driven ecosystem where poverty alleviation, education, entrepreneurship, and employment are all connected through digital infrastructure. Here’s what that might look like:

a. Digital Skills Hubs

Establish public-private digital learning hubs in every district. These centers can provide:

  • Free courses in coding, data science, design, and digital marketing.
  • Access to high-speed internet and modern hardware.
  • Mentorship from tech industry professionals.

b. AI-Based Poverty Targeting

Use AI and data analytics to better identify deserving candidates for subsidies and training. This minimizes leakages and ensures that support reaches those in real need.

c. Blockchain for Transparency

Implement blockchain in financial aid disbursement. Every rupee spent can be tracked, reducing corruption and increasing public trust.

d. Freelance Marketplace Integration

Create a national freelance platform with built-in payment protection and tax incentives. Offer reduced commissions to encourage local participation.

6. Youth Unemployment: The Untapped Tech Army

Perhaps the greatest irony is that Pakistan’s most powerful resource—its youth—is sitting idle.

More than 60% of the population is under 30. But with few formal jobs and limited exposure to global work opportunities, this talent pool remains underutilized.

A digital-first strategy would:

  • Empower youth to become micro-entrepreneurs through platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon FBA.
  • Offer government-backed microloans via fintech apps.
  • Gamify learning and incentivize upskilling through digital badges and certifications.

Instead of waiting for “rozgaar” (employment), we should be creating it digitally.

7. International Case Studies: What Works?

Countries like India, Estonia, and Rwanda offer blueprints worth studying.

  • India’s Digital India campaign brought internet connectivity to remote villages and digitized government services.
  • Estonia is a global leader in e-governance, with 99% of public services available online.
  • Rwanda turned its economy around through smart investment in tech-based infrastructure and education.

Pakistan can take a leaf from these countries—tailoring global solutions to local needs.

8. Final Thoughts: It’s Time for a Tech-First Reset

Poverty alleviation in Pakistan has always been treated as a welfare challenge, not a technology challenge. But the future belongs to those who innovate, automate, and digitize.

We’re living in a world where a teenager in a remote village can earn dollars designing logos for a New York startup. But only if he or she has access to the internet, a laptop, and the right training.

So what’s stopping us?

It’s not a lack of money—it’s a lack of vision. Not a lack of talent—but a lack of opportunity. The solution lies in building a tech-centric infrastructure that nurtures creativity, promotes entrepreneurship, and creates pathways out of poverty.


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If Pakistan wants to change its future, the answer isn’t just in aid—it’s in access, algorithms, and ambition.