ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s youth labour force participation has increased to 45.4 percent in 2024-25. The rise reflects shifts in employment and unemployment patterns among individuals aged 15 to 24, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Overview of youth labour indicators
The 37th round of the national survey offers updated indicators on youth participation, employment status, unemployment levels and technical and vocational training. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, youth participation rose from 43.8 percent in 2020-21 to 45.4 percent under the 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians definition.
Size and importance of the youth population
The report notes that youth form a significant share of the population. Based on adjusted 2023 census projections, Pakistan has 46.3 million people aged 15 to 24. This group makes up 18.5 percent of the total population. Because of its size, changes in youth participation influence overall labour market trends across provinces and regions.
Youth employment trends
Employment among youth has also increased. Under the 13th ICLS approach, the youth employment-to-population ratio rose from 38.9 percent in 2020-21 to 39.7 percent in 2024-25. Under the 19th ICLS definition, which excludes own-use subsistence agriculture workers, the youth employment-to-population ratio stands at 38.6 percent. These trends show that more young people are entering the labour market, although their unemployment rates remain above national averages.
Youth unemployment trends
The survey records an increase in youth unemployment as well. Under the 13th ICLS approach, youth unemployment rose from 11.1 percent in 2020-21 to 12.6 percent in 2024-25. Under the 19th ICLS definition, youth unemployment stands at 12.9 percent.
The survey also documents unemployment trends for the broader 15 to 29 age group. For this group, unemployment increased from 10.3 percent to 11.5 percent under the older definition. Under the updated definition, unemployment stands at 11.8 percent.
Gender-specific youth indicators
The Labour Force Survey presents gender-wise unemployment data. For young males, unemployment increased from 10.0 percent to 12.3 percent under the 13th ICLS framework. For young females, unemployment declined from 14.4 percent to 13.3 percent. Under the 19th ICLS definition, youth unemployment is 12.5 percent for males and 14.0 percent for females.
The survey also notes youth participation in education and the share of individuals who combine education with employment.
Technical and vocational training
The survey includes indicators on technical and vocational training among youth. It records the types of skills acquired, the duration of courses and the institutions providing training. These indicators help explain how skills development shapes youth employment outcomes. The survey also reports the youth NEET rate, showing the share of young people not in employment, education or training.
Dual reporting under ICLS standards
Youth indicators are presented under both the 13th and 19th ICLS definitions to maintain comparability with the 2020-21 Labour Force Survey. The older definition includes own-use agriculture workers, while the updated one excludes them. This dual reporting supports consistency across survey rounds while adopting international statistical standards.
Data collection and population base
Youth indicators are based on interviews with 53,974 households across Pakistan. The survey uses 2023 census projections adjusted with an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent to generate population estimates. Youth labour force data forms part of the broader demographic and employment structure captured in the national survey.
Key finding
The Labour Force Survey 2024-25 shows that youth labour force participation increased to 45.4 percent. This rise is accompanied by increases in both youth employment and youth unemployment rates, offering a detailed view of how young people are engaging with Pakistan’s labour market.