Pakistan needs to create around 30 million jobs over the next ten years to fully use its growing youth population and avoid serious economic and social pressure, World Bank President Ajay Banga has warned. His remarks highlight the scale of the challenge facing the country as millions of young people enter the workforce each year.
Speaking on Pakistan’s economic outlook, Banga stressed that job creation must be the central goal of national policy. He described employment as the “North Star” that should guide all economic decisions, adding that without steady job growth, Pakistan risks higher poverty, social instability, and increased migration abroad.
Pakistan’s population is young, with more than half under the age of 30. This can be a major strength if the economy creates enough work opportunities. However, slow growth, limited industrial expansion, and skills gaps have made it difficult to absorb new workers, especially educated youth and women.
The warning comes as Pakistan moves into the implementation phase of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework, which focuses on long-term reforms rather than short-term projects. Banga noted that the country needs to move away from isolated development schemes and focus instead on measurable results, such as sustained growth, private sector expansion, and large-scale employment.
Experts say key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, technology, construction, and exports will be critical for meeting job targets. Improving education, technical skills, and ease of doing business will also be essential.
If Pakistan succeeds, its youth population could drive strong and inclusive growth. If not, the cost to the economy and society could be high.
