This situation is not merely a matter of statistics; it is the story of families who viewed education as a path to prosperity, yet now find themselves grappling with inflation, low wages, and job insecurity. The true measure of a state’s success lies in its ability to provide its citizens with dignity, security, and equal opportunities.

Sometimes, three specific pieces of news are enough to grasp the state of Pakistan’s economy. The first reveals that the country’s current account deficit has widened; the second reports that thousands of educated Pakistanis have moved abroad in search of employment; and the third highlights a dire situation regarding hunger and malnutrition. While these may appear to be separate issues, for the average citizen, they are all intrinsically linked to employment, income, and the ability to put food on the table. Caught in the midst of this, the youth ask: if a dignified life remains out of reach even after obtaining an education, then what is the value of their hard work—or of the promises made by the state?

“If a dignified life remains out of reach even after obtaining an education, then what is the value of their hard work—or of the promises made by the state?”

— The question every educated young Pakistani is asking

In September 2026, Pakistan’s current account deficit stood at $356 million, compared to $73 million in August—marking a monthly increase of approximately 388 percent. While this figure is substantial and concerning, a responsible analysis must also note that this increase occurred relative to a significantly lower initial deficit. A shift over the course of a single month does not determine the ultimate fate of the entire economy; however, a growing imbalance between external payments and receipts does pose serious questions for economic policy.

Reality check #1

A 388% monthly jump in the current account deficit sounds alarming—and it is. But context matters: it rose from a low base of $73 million to $356 million. The real question is not just the number, but whether the trend continues and whether it translates into fewer jobs, costlier imports, and tighter household budgets.

For the average young person, the “current account” may be a complex economic term, but the real question they face is quite simple: When will I find a job, and how will I manage to get by on my salary? If external financial pressure impacts the currency, the cost of imports, and business decisions, employment opportunities may also suffer. That said, it would be inaccurate to attribute every instance of rising costs or unemployment directly to this deficit. The issue is much broader—encompassing productive capacity, investment, policy consistency, and economic activity that delivers tangible benefits to households.

Against this backdrop, another piece of news takes on greater significance. According to information derived from documents presented in Parliament, 15,850 highly educated Pakistanis have gone abroad for employment so far in 2026. In the previous year, this figure stood at 28,726, while in 2024, it was 45,830. Since the figures for the current year cover only a partial period, one cannot definitively conclude whether the rate of emigration is increasing or decreasing. Nevertheless, these numbers certainly warrant a critical look at the availability of professional opportunities and a secure future within the country.

Those leaving include doctors, engineers, teachers, and other professionals. Not everyone who departs is unemployed, nor does every job abroad equate to permanent emigration. Some leave for better pay, others for specialized training, their children’s education, or professional advancement. Therefore, it would be incorrect to interpret these figures as a direct reflection of the youth unemployment rate. The fundamental question is: what quality of employment, level of professional respect, and degree of economic predictability does Pakistan offer its educated citizens?

It is easy to lecture a young person heading abroad on patriotism, but far more difficult to create a viable future for them within the country. A family that has invested in a child’s education naturally expects that, upon earning a degree, the individual will be able to generate an income. Young people do not merely carry the burden of their own personal aspirations; they also shoulder the responsibilities of their parents’ medical care, their siblings’ education, and general household expenses. In such circumstances, choosing better employment elsewhere is not a moral failing. The true measure of the state’s success would be making the decision to remain in the country both economically sound and dignified.

Reality check #2

Patriotism is not a substitute for a paycheck. Young people leaving are not abandoning the country—they are responding to a simple economic calculus. The state’s task is not to guilt-trip them into staying, but to make staying a viable, dignified choice.

Limiting the discourse on unemployment solely to the question of whether or not one has a job is insufficient. Low wages, precarious employment contracts, work that fails to utilize one’s skills, and limited prospects for career advancement all serve to constrain the lives of young people. An individual can remain in a state of constant financial anxiety, even while employed. When it becomes impossible to save money after covering the costs of housing, transportation, food, and healthcare, planning for the future becomes an arduous task. A decent standard of living is not defined merely by increased consumption; it encompasses secure housing, adequate nutrition, rest, and financial protection during times of illness.

This brings us to a third point. In the 2026 Global Hunger Index, Pakistan holds a score of 25.5, which indicates a serious level of hunger. While this represents an improvement from the score of 36.2 recorded in the year 2000—a long-term trend that should be acknowledged—such progress does not justify ignoring the deprivation that persists today. This index aggregates various metrics related to nutritional deficiencies, child development, and child mortality. To view it merely as a measure of food availability or the quantity of commodities in the market would be an incomplete interpretation.

“The availability of food in the market and a household’s ability to afford it are two distinct realities.”

— On why hunger is an income problem, not just a supply problem

The availability of food in the market and a household’s ability to afford it are two distinct realities. A family with limited income may have to compromise on the quality of their food in order to pay essential bills first. Simply filling one’s stomach is not the same as obtaining proper nutrition. Thus, the discourse on employment and food security becomes intertwined: a reliable income grants a household the scope to make better choices, whereas persistent economic pressure restricts that scope. For vulnerable households, therefore, social protection is not merely an act of charity; it is a fundamental necessity of life.

Attributing these three developments to a single cause would be an oversimplification; yet, viewing them collectively clarifies policy priorities. Pakistan requires a balance in its external payments, opportunities for a skilled workforce, and adequate nutrition for its families. Economic success remains incomplete if—despite claims of progress—a young person’s income remains uncertain and a family’s access to food remains limited. Any assessment of development must address key questions: How many dignified jobs have been created? How have real wages shifted? And to what extent has access to basic necessities improved?

Reality check #3

Three problems, one thread: income. A widening deficit pressures jobs; emigration signals a lack of opportunity; hunger reflects an inability to afford nutrition. Fix the income question—through dignified jobs, fair wages, and social protection—and all three begin to ease.

The government’s primary responsibility is to translate employment pledges into measurable, actionable steps. This necessitates transparency in public-sector recruitment, clear information regarding job vacancies, and a reliable mechanism for ensuring merit-based hiring. The private sector requires an environment that enables businesses to plan for production and expansion. Facilitating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is only meaningful if it is balanced with the protection of workers’ rights and fair wage standards. Simply advising young people to start their own businesses is insufficient; not everyone possesses the same access to capital, market reach, or the capacity to bear risk.

Furthermore, the relationship between universities and the industrial sector must evolve beyond mere formal agreements. Curriculum, practical training, paid internships, and professional guidance should be integrated. While reliable internet access, payment infrastructure, and skills training are essential for digital employment, the mere slogan of turning every young person into a freelancer cannot constitute a national employment policy. Opportunities must also be created in sectors such as agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, and services. Simultaneously, food security—encompassing the needs of children and mothers, access to clean water, and effective support for vulnerable households—must remain a consistent priority.

Pakistan’s youth do not seek a future built on charity; they ask for a fair opportunity to test their potential. They require a wage sufficient to meet basic needs, and a state whose policy decisions reflect a genuine concern for their lives. While economic statistics hold their own significance, their ultimate litmus test lies in the actual conditions of the citizens. If a young person holds a degree yet faces an uncertain livelihood and a shrinking table—struggling to afford basic sustenance—then any claims of progress are inevitably open to question. Pakistan’s future will only be secure when a dignified life within the homeland becomes an attainable reality for its youth.

“Pakistan’s future will only be secure when a dignified life within the homeland becomes an attainable reality for its youth.”

— The litmus test for every economic policy