THE Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government is confronted with a formidable challenge of fighting against rising unemployment that has reached a staggering 14.4 per cent. This surpasses the national average across Pakistan, signifying the urgency of the need to address the issue.

A major concern in this regard is the youth-dominated population that faces limited opportunities for earning a livelihood within AJK. Compounding the problem, the government currently stands as the largest employer in AJK, allocating nearly 70pc of its budget to administrative expenses alone.

To overcome the challenge, the government must prioritise the creation of job opportunities, and focus on the capacity-building of the youth. The gravity of the situation demands sincere efforts and comprehensive measures.

Promoting entrepreneurship can empower young individuals, offering financial assistance, mentorship programmes and resources for business development. Additionally, investing in infrastructure development can spur employment growth, particularly in sectors like construction, transportation and renewable energy.

Skill development programmes are essential for equipping the youth with industry-relevant competencies. Collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training centres and industry stakeholders will ensure that the curriculum gets aligned with market demands. Encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentives, and a supportive environment can attract investors and generate job opportunities.

Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in fostering job-creation initiatives. By offering attractive incentives and establishing a supportive regulatory framework, private enterprises can be encouraged to set up industries in AJK. Simul-taneously, the government must focus on capacity-building through technical and vocational education, and equipping students with skills aligned with industry requirements.

Raja Asad Azad
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2023