Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is facing a growing crisis of unemployment among its youth. Despite the region’s stunning natural beauty and vast potential for development, university graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to secure meaningful employment.
The lack of job opportunities has become a critical concern for the local population. Social activist Fahim Akhter highlighted the frustration of the region’s youth, stating, “On one hand, the government insists that jobs are being offered, but on the other hand, university graduates are left with no opportunities. They are stranded without any viable options.”
Akhter underscored the urgent need for the government to adopt a new approach to tackle unemployment in PoGB. He believes that promoting entrepreneurship is key to addressing the issue. “The government must encourage the local population to pursue business ventures, offering them the necessary support. Those willing to start their own businesses should be given access to resources like soft loans and other financial assistance,” he said.
One of the major challenges in addressing unemployment in PoGB is the lack of infrastructure and opportunities to develop local businesses. Akhter highlighted the irony of the region’s proximity to the bustling Sost border, which remains underutilized in terms of creating job opportunities. The region’s economic potential remains largely untapped due to government neglect.
In addition to calling for government action, Akhter urged a shift in the mindset of PoGB’s residents. He stressed the importance of moving away from the reliance on government jobs as the sole means of securing a livelihood. “We need to broaden our perspectives. Apart from government jobs, people can create their own businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism, which has immense untapped potential in this region,” he explained.
The youth of PoGB require not only job opportunities but also guidance and support to realize their potential. Unfortunately, the region’s puppet government, acting on directives from Islamabad, has largely failed to address these pressing concerns. Instead of focusing on the developmental needs of PoGB, the government has prioritized exploiting the region’s people and resources.
Despite PoGB’s abundant natural resources, the government has been unable to foster a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. This neglect has left the region’s youth with few prospects and limited opportunities for growth, further deepening the unemployment crisis.
