A Rising Unemployment Trend
Unemployment is climbing again. The National Labour Force Survey 2024–25 puts Pakistan’s jobless rate at 7.1 percent, up from 6.3 percent just a few years ago. That jump might not sound huge, but it says a lot about how tough it’s getting for people to find work and for the economy to hold steady.
Working-Age Population vs. Labour Participation
Here’s another thing: Samaa News points out that 43 percent of the population is now of working age, but more than half aren’t even in the labour force. Roughly 53.8 percent of people who could work aren’t working or looking for jobs. That’s a big deal. It means there’s a huge chunk of potential going untapped, maybe because people don’t see opportunities, or their skills just don’t match what’s out there.
Unemployment Within the Total Population
If you look at the total population, 3.3 percent are unemployed. That’s lower than the official unemployment rate, but it still shows how joblessness affects many households. Young people and women are hit hardest, partly because they’ve always faced more obstacles getting into the workforce.
Services Sector Dominates Employment
Most jobs are still in services, and 41.7 percent of people with jobs work there. The sector is attracting a lot of new workers, but honestly, it’s not growing fast enough to keep up with the number of people looking for work each year.
Key Pressures on the Labour Market
The job market’s under pressure from all sides. The economy’s not growing fast, industry is stalling, and inflation just keeps squeezing everyone. With so many people sitting out of the workforce, there’s a real need for targeted action, things like job training, better placement services, and policies that actually open doors for women and young people.
This latest survey is a wake-up call. If Pakistan wants real, lasting economic stability, growth has to reach everyone. That means serious reforms, more opportunities, and a labour market that can actually weather whatever comes next.
