Public Issues

37 Voices, One Cry: Sanghar’s Unemployment Woes

November 10, 2024

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The alarming figure of unemployment in Sanghar district of Sindh underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this pressing issue

By Irfan Ali

A staggering 79.3% of young individuals aged 16-25, possessing at least a 12th-grade education, remain unemployed. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this pressing issue.

To gain deeper insight into the problem of youth unemployment, a simple online survey was conducted with 37 male participants aged 16 to 25. They provided valuable information on their educational backgrounds, employment status, job preferences, and salary expectations. A significant portion of the respondents, 40%, had completed 16 years of education, while 46.9% had attained 12 or more years of education. The remaining respondents either had no formal education, completed less than matriculation, or were still students.

oil-reserves-recovered-in-sindh-s-sanghar_1725017807-s — Sanghar is known for huge oil and gas reserve discoveries

Despite having substantial educational qualifications, a significant number of respondents remain unemployed. Alarmingly, 51.5% have been unemployed for over three years, highlighting the chronic nature of the problem. Additionally, 36.5% reported being unemployed for six months to three years. The primary reasons cited for their unemployment include a scarcity of suitable job opportunities, a strong preference for government jobs, a mismatch between skills and job requirements, and a lack of motivation among some respondents.

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When asked why they believe they are still unemployed despite their qualifications, approximately 50% of respondents stated they are trying very hard to find a job but cannot secure one. Meanwhile, 29% expressed interest solely in government jobs. The remaining respondents were either privately employed, mostly as teachers or office assistants, or admitted to a lack of desire to work. When questioned about their preferred type of employment, an overwhelming 68% said they would prefer government jobs if given the chance, while only 11% were open to private sector positions.

Sanghar, a district rich in resources, with high rate of unemployment

Another factor affecting unemployment in Sanghar is salary expectation. When asked about their expected salary, most respondents showed a preference for a range between 45,000-80,000 Pakistani rupees, with very few agreeing to work for salaries between 25,000-30,000 rupees.

Read: 24% educated youth in Sindh jobless

This survey sheds light on one of the major issues faced by Sanghar—a city in Sindh province of Pakistan, rich in natural resources like gas, cotton, fish markets, a Chotiyari Dam, yet grappling with critical unemployment. Issues like a lack of job awareness or an unwillingness to work among youth pose a serious challenge to the city’s economic stability. To revitalize the economy of Sanghar, immediate action is needed to empower the youth who support their families, build the city, and represent its future.

The following actions should be urgently addressed to tackle the unemployment problem:

Skill Development: Establish vocational training centers to equip young people with in-demand skills.
Entrepreneurship Promotion: Provide financial assistance and training to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between government and private sector entities to create job opportunities.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Policy Reforms: Implement policies that encourage investment and job creation in the district.
Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about career opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Mentorship Programs: Connect young people with experienced professionals for guidance and support.

By implementing these strategies, it is possible to empower the youth of Sanghar District and create a brighter future for the region. If this issue is not taken seriously, there is a bleak future awaiting soon to come.