Economic Woes and Structural Unemployment: The Case of Pakistan | Teen Ink

Economic Woes and Structural Unemployment: The Case of Pakistan

June 2, 2024
By Shahraiz1212 BRONZE, Lahore, New Jersey
Shahraiz1212 BRONZE, Lahore, New Jersey
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

This article talks about the unemployment problem Pakistan is facing due to a series of challenges such as import limitations, foreign exchange crisis, and rising input costs. These challenges have taken a toll on the economy, different industries and have resulted in more unemployed people. The type of unemployment is structural unemployment which is the change in the structure of the economy or demand for labor. 


The foreign exchange crisis has shot a bullet deep into Pakistan’s economy. Pakistani rupees hold very little credibility and little to no value in the international market, that is why investors are losing confidence in Pakistan. International trade has become very difficult for the industries and businesses in Pakistan which has led to unemployment. Import restrictions and limitations are also causing structural unemployment. Importing goods, services and resources has never been harder for businesses which is why many businesses are shutting down or declining, which in other terms also means they are cutting loose of their employees which means unemployment. 


Nowhere is this crisis more obvious than in Karachi, Pakistan’s booming economic center, where the headquarters of the major companies in Pakistan such as PIA, Shell, HBL etc are based. According to the article, over 500,000 people in Karachi are unemployed. 30%-50% of the textile industry has shut down and it is predicted that the percentage will increase. Industries and businesses are also struggling due to the economic crisis in Pakistan which is leading to the unemployment issue. Furthermore, industries and Pakistan has experienced billions of dollars in production losses and decreased exports. Industries have been facing a downtrend trend since mid-2022 and hasn’t stopped since. 

The skills of the workers are not to blame for structural unemployment, it's the economy. That is why Pakistan needs to solve this. There are many solutions for structural unemployment such as policy interventions; the government can start easing the import regulations and trade barriers which will open many doors for businesses and most importantly the workers. The government can start providing programs which help the industries such as financial assistance, subsidies, incentives and training programs. 


Infrastructure development is also a solution, by the government investing in infrastructure development projects such as roads, railways and ports Pakistan can attract investors and businesses, therefore leading to more job opportunities. This is also not just a short term solution but a long and sustainable solution for Pakistan which they need. 


Creating partnerships with foreign organizations and countries nearby can open up new possibilities for economic growth and employment creation in addition to national efforts. Cross-border employment opportunities and economic growth can be generated by cooperative projects that support trade and investment. Pakistan can effectively use partnerships and regional collaboration to address shared difficulties.


All parties involved, including the public and commercial sectors, must work together to solve structural unemployment. To overcome the unemployment crisis and create a sufficient economy, collaborative efforts that prioritize investment, innovation, and policy reforms are crucial. By easing import restrictions, working on the foreign exchange crisis, providing subsidies and financial assistance, Pakistan can start solving its unemployment problem. 


The author's comments:

I hope this article helps people understand the root causes of Pakistan's unemployment crisis and the importance of structural reforms. By highlighting potential solutions, I aim to help Pakistanis understand the economic issues, our country is facing. Ultimately, I want readers to feel empowered to advocate for and contribute to positive change in Pakistan's economy.
 
 


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