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GEN Z, the generation that introduced us to ‘skibidi’ and ‘6-7’, now makes up a massive share of Pakistan’s youth population. Born between 1997 and 2012, they are currently navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood, shaping trends and public discourse through online platforms. However, despite all their ‘rizz’, the economic reality of these young Pakistanis is far from giving ‘main character energy’. Their integration into the education system and labour market remains limited and uneven, raising concerns about their long-term economic prospects and the country’s ability to harness its demographic dividend.
The latest Labour Force Survey 2024-25 shows that nearly three-fourths of the population aged 15-29 is not enrolled in any formal educational programme. Predictably, literacy levels remain low, with nearly a quarter of the segment unable to read or write simple statements with understanding. This educational exclusion poses serious long-term implications for their overall productivity and employability.
Beyond ‘aura farming’, these young Pakistanis have few productive endeavours to engage in. Access to skills development opportunities remains particularly weak with nearly nine out of 10 young individuals reporting having never received any form of vocational, technical or professional training. Due to the lack of structured programmes, many resort to unpaid and informal apprenticeships with limited prospects of progression.
