Pakistan has taken a strong step to tackle the problem of unemployment in the youth. The government has formally kicked off the country’s first National Youth Employment Policy, even as a new e-Sports Policy is being drafted alongside. PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan shared these updates at the Health and Education Summit Pakistan 2026, describing youth as the center of the country’s future planning.
What does the Employment Policy mean for Pakistan?
For years, young Pakistanis outside big cities have had a hard time finding steady jobs, even with degrees or basic skills. The policy focuses on creating jobs and skills training and support for small businesses. A major target is 35 percent participation of women in youth employment every year and registering 10 percent of youth in new companies every year.
This matters in a country where many families still rely on informal work and where access to formal banking or business registration remains limited outside major cities. Done right, this could open doors for young people in smaller cities like Multan, Sargodha, or Bahawalpur, not just Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
The Significance of Gaming and IT Skills Today
Gaming is no longer just for fun. It is now a multi-billion dollar global industry and Pakistan wants a share of it. The next policy will feature game development, information technology and artificial intelligence, providing a formal pathway into careers previously unrecognized for mobile-first young Pakistanis.
Most young Pakistanis access the internet via smartphones, not laptops, so this framework could help support local gaming startups, streaming careers and app development, work that already exists informally but lacks government backing or clear rules.
Academic Partnerships in Support of the Plan
In addition to these policies, Pakistan has signed academic cooperation agreements with 50 Chinese universities, over 70 Chinese technical institutions, 25 US universities and 17 US health and technical institutions. These deals are meant to bring modern research and training closer to Pakistani students without their having to leave home.
Quick Checklist: What Young Pakistanis Should Look For
•Watch for any changes to the policy in official PMYP announcements.
•Look out for scholarships and interest-free loan schemes associated with these plans.
•Career paths open up. Explore IT, AI, and gaming courses.
•Follow university partnership programs for study and research opportunities.
•Take part in the six-month youth consultation process, as public input will shape the final policies.
Conclusion
These steps are a true change in the perception of youth in Pakistan, not as a burden but as an asset to growth. Only good implementation on ground can make it successful. Stay tuned, get involved in the consultations and be ready to grab these opportunities when they come.
