Unemployment Rises Alarmingly in Balochistan as Degree-Holding Youth Struggle for Jobs; Call for Concrete Employment Policy

QUETTA: Unemployment among young people in Balochistan is becoming increasingly severe, with a large number of highly educated youth holding degrees but struggling to find employment. Limited government jobs, a weak private sector and a lack of industries have further complicated the employment crisis.

Economists and social analysts say unemployment in Balochistan is higher than in several other parts of the country, while frustration is growing rapidly among graduates and postgraduates who have been unable to secure jobs despite their educational qualifications.

A young citizen said he had completed his master’s degree several years ago and had submitted hundreds of job applications since then, but had received no response. He said there were neither sufficient government jobs nor enough opportunities in private companies in the province.

The unemployment crisis is not limited to educated youth. Skilled, semi-skilled and young people with matriculation and intermediate-level education are also facing serious difficulties in finding employment.

Citizens said the province lacked sufficient industrial zones and technical institutions capable of equipping young people with skills according to market requirements.

Social workers warned that prolonged unemployment and frustration could push some young people towards negative activities, including drug abuse, crime and extremism. They cautioned that if an effective strategy was not adopted in time, the situation could create serious challenges for law and order in the future.

Although the Balochistan government has periodically announced initiatives aimed at empowering young people, critics say ground realities remain different. They pointed to the absence of a permanent employment policy, weak links between educational institutions and the job market, a shortage of technical training facilities and limited investment as major obstacles to employment generation.

Education experts said the youth of Balochistan were talented and capable but urgently needed opportunities, guidance and platforms to demonstrate their abilities. They warned that prolonged unemployment and a lack of opportunities could turn frustration into a wider social problem.

Experts proposed the introduction of a permanent employment policy for young people, practical training through technical and vocational institutions, subsidies for industrial zones and small-business initiatives, and greater support for startups, freelancing and the IT sector.

They also called for transparent and timely recruitment to government positions and said young people were one of Balochistan’s most valuable assets.

Experts stressed that ignoring the unemployment crisis could eventually turn it into a broader economic, social and political challenge. They urged the government to treat youth unemployment as a priority and take practical, long-term measures instead of relying solely on announcements and statements.