By M Rashid Tabassum
Every year on July 15, the world marks World Youth Skills Day to highlight the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship and the future of work. The 2026 theme, “Skills for a Better Shared Future,” reflects a changing global reality: technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. Alongside digital and vocational expertise, young people also need communication, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving this transformation through artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 39 per cent of workers’ core skills will change by 2030. In other words, many of today’s skills will not be sufficient for tomorrow’s jobs. As a result, countries around the world are redesigning their education systems to place greater emphasis on practical skills alongside academic qualifications.
Against this global transformation, Pakistan continues to face a widening gap between education and employability. According to official figures, Pakistan now has 244 public and private chartered universities that produce roughly 445,000 graduates each year. Yet this expanding higher education system has not translated into better employment outcomes, as many graduates struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications.
The skills gap is particularly visible in engineering and information technology. Around 25,000 engineering and IT graduates enter the job market annually, but only 20 per cent meet industry standards, according to sector estimates. Similarly, research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) shows that 31 per cent of university graduates remain unemployed, largely because they lack market-relevant skills. These figures point to a deeper problem: the education system continues to reward rote learning over practical competence.
Furthermore, students often complete their degrees with limited exposure to real-world work. Schools, colleges and universities provide few opportunities for hands-on training, while weak collaboration between educational institutions and industry prevents curricula from keeping pace with changing technologies. As a result, graduates are often unprepared for modern workplaces.
The rise of artificial intelligence has made this challenge even more apparent. According to UNESCO, 62 per cent of young people use AI tools, yet only 30 per cent have received formal AI training. This gap highlights the urgent need to modernize education. Learning to use technology is important, but understanding how to apply it responsibly and effectively is even more critical.
At the same time, this year’s World Youth Skills Day sends another important message. While AI can automate many routine tasks, it cannot replace uniquely human abilities. Critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, teamwork and emotional intelligence remain among the most valuable skills in today’s labor market. The 2026 theme also emphasizes green skills and responsible citizenship, encouraging young people to contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Therefore, Pakistan must rethink its approach to education. Skill-based learning should begin at the primary level, combining digital literacy with practical life skills. At the same time, technical and vocational education should become a national priority. Every district should have access to modern skills development centers, universities require advanced AI laboratories, and stronger partnerships between industry and academia must ensure that graduates are prepared for real jobs. Continuous teacher training and effective career guidance at the secondary level are equally essential.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s young people are its greatest national asset. But this potential can only be realized through an education system that prepares them for the future rather than the past. In the twenty-first century, nations compete not only through economic strength but also through innovation, creativity and skills. If Pakistan continues to focus only on degrees, it risks falling further behind. Degrees may open classroom doors, but skills open the doors to opportunity, innovation and national prosperity.
(The writer is a Lahore-based columnist who writes on Islamic affairs, youth development, labor rights, and public policy. He can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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