Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, over 3.61 lakh educated unemployed youth are registered across the territory as of September 2025, highlighting the scale of joblessness despite ongoing employment and skill development initiatives, according to official data.  Kashmir valley accounts for 2.08 lakh registrations while Jammu region has 1.52 lakh, reflecting a significant concentration of educated job seekers across both regions.

Islamabad (32,298) tops the list, followed by Pulwama (28,671), Kathua (26,798), Srinagar (23,826), and Kulgam (21,446) districts. The lowest numbers were reported from Kishtwar (8,870) and Reasi (12,376) districts.  Of the total registered youth, 2,33,845 are male and 1,27,301 are female, the data shows. The government said that the Employment Department, under Mission Youth/Mission YUVA, aims to create 4.25 lakh job opportunities by establishing 1.37 lakh entrepreneurship units.

The initiative focuses on promoting self-employment, startups, and skill development to reduce the growing unemployment burden.  Officials said that district-level employment and counselling centres are organizing Career Melas and Rozgar Melas to encourage innovation, enhance youth engagement, and create livelihood awareness across Jammu and Kashmir. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)