By Ayesha Saba

Pakistan’s youth population is projected to approach 100 million by 2050, creating both a major labour-force opportunity and a growing challenge for employment generation, according to new population projections released by the National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R).

The report projects the population aged between 15 and 29 years to increase from 62.95 million in 2023 to 99.76 million by 2050. Meanwhile, the working-age population aged 15 to 64 is expected to rise from 135.2 million to 255.4 million during the same period.

Pakistan remains one of the world’s youngest large countries, with nearly 67 percent of the population below the age of 30 in 2023. Although the share is projected to decline gradually, the absolute number of young people will continue rising over the coming decades.

The projections suggest labour markets, education systems and urban infrastructure will face mounting pressure as millions of young people enter working age each year.

The report notes that rapid population growth and urban migration are already reshaping economic and social planning requirements across the country.

Islamabad’s population is projected to nearly triple by 2050, while Sindh is expected to continue attracting migration because of urban employment opportunities.

The report indicates that Pakistan’s demographic structure could support stronger economic growth if employment creation, industrial expansion and skills development improve over time.

However, weak investment, low industrial productivity and limited formal-sector employment remain major structural constraints.

The projections also highlight the importance of improving technical education, digital skills and women’s participation in the workforce to absorb the expanding labour force.

According to the report, demographic planning is becoming increasingly important for long-term economic policy because population trends directly affect employment, infrastructure demand and public spending requirements.

UNFPA and NIPST&R stressed that investment in human capital will remain critical for managing Pakistan’s long-term demographic transition.

Credit: INP-WealthPk