Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has issued a stark warning over what she described as a dangerous rise in unemployment and rapid population growth in Pakistan.

In a message shared on social media platform X, she cautioned that if immediate attention is not given, the country’s economy could face even greater pressure in the coming years.

Sherry Rehman pointed out that Pakistan’s average GDP growth rate currently stands at 1.7%, while the population growth rate is 2.5%.

In such a situation, she said, per capita income continues to decline, worsening economic conditions for ordinary citizens.

She warned that without corrective measures, the imbalance between economic growth and population expansion will further strain national resources.

Record unemployment levels

Highlighting alarming statistics, the PPP leader said that in the financial year 2025, the unemployment rate reached 7.1% — the highest level recorded in the past 21 years.

She also cited the 2023 census, according to which approximately 22% of people were unemployed, with youth being the most affected segment of society.

According to Sherry Rehman, Pakistan will need to create at least 30 million new jobs over the next 10 years to avoid a deepening employment crisis.

“If employment opportunities are not created, a social crisis may arise,” she warned.

Key sectors under pressure

Rehman noted that agriculture, industry, construction and trade collectively provide employment to more than 75% of the population. However, she said these sectors are currently under severe pressure and experiencing a slowdown, limiting job creation capacity.

She added that rising inflation and heavy taxation are eroding people’s real incomes and increasing economic inequality to alarming levels.

Population surge, brain drain

The senator also expressed concern over rapid population growth, stating that Pakistan’s population could reach 400 million in the coming years. Such growth, she warned, would put additional pressure on already stretched resources.

Due to rising unemployment among young people, she said, the trend of migration abroad is accelerating, leading to a serious brain drain that could harm the country’s long-term prospects.

Policy continuity and investment

Sherry Rehman emphasized that the employment crisis cannot be resolved without continuity in economic policies, promotion of investment, and revival of the industrial sector.

She urged policymakers to take urgent, coordinated action to stabilize the economy and create sustainable job opportunities.

Her remarks add to the growing debate over Pakistan’s economic direction, as concerns mount over joblessness, inequality and long-term growth challenges.