Activists Rally for Economic Inclusion of Youth, PWDs

Shakila Jalil

Rawalpindi: Civil society activists and organizations have called upon both the government and private sector to create more avenues for youth and individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to empower these groups, enabling them to actively contribute to bolstering the economy.

During a press conference organized by the non-governmental organization Shirakat Partnership for Development at the Rawalpindi Press Club, they lauded initiatives such as the “Power to The Youth” project by the European Union and acknowledged the National Commission for Advocacy’s (NCA) efforts in this regard.

The primary focus of the conference was to address the shortage of skilled workers that industries and businesses are currently facing. According to a press release, 2,593 young leaders in Lahore and Rawalpindi have undergone activism training through the “Power to The Youth” project, preparing them to act as catalysts for change in their respective communities.

Samina Javed, Manager Programs at Shirakat, stressed the necessity of providing Technical and Vocational Skills to the youth as a means of tackling the issue of youth unemployment. She highlighted the pressing challenge of 5.6 million unemployed individuals and the prevalence of unskilled youth, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to equip them with the skills necessary for employment opportunities.Given that 64 percent of Pakistan’s population is comprised of youth, totaling 241.49 million as per the 2023 Population Census, it’s evident that a significant portion of the working-age population is either unemployed or not actively seeking employment. With recent economic downturns and inflationary trends, the specter of rising unemployment looms over the country.

Khurram Shezad emphasized the importance of providing crucial opportunities to the youth to harness their potential in contributing to the country’s economic development.

Sobia Mehboob highlighted how “Power to The Youth” provides platforms for youth to discuss their ideas and propose solutions to challenges faced by themselves and their communities. She expressed gratitude to the European Union and NCA for their commitment to youth-centric initiatives.