Gilgit: Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB) faces a major problem: widespread unemployment among its youth. Despite the region’s natural beauty and vast development potential, university graduates from PoGB struggle to find meaningful employment.

Lack of employment opportunities has become a major concern for the local population.

Faheem Akhtar, a social worker in the area, has expressed the deep frustration felt by the youth.

“On one hand, the government insists that jobs are being offered, but on the other hand, university graduates have no opportunities. They are stuck with no viable options,” he said. Explained.

Akhtar also emphasized the urgent need for a change in the government’s approach to employment in the region. According to him, the key solution to tackling unemployment in PoGB lies in promoting entrepreneurship. He said, “Government should encourage the local population to take up business ventures, provide them with necessary support. Those who are willing to start their own businesses should be given access to resources like soft loans and other financial assistance. should be given,” he said.

One of the major barriers to youth employment in POGB is the lack of infrastructure and opportunities to develop local businesses. Akhtar points out the irony that despite the region’s proximity to the busy Swast border, local youth are unable to take advantage of this geographical advantage in terms of employment opportunities. Due to government neglect, the economic potential of this region has remained largely untapped.

Akhtar also stressed on a change in the mindset of the POGB people. He stressed the need to move away from the traditional belief that government jobs are the only option for earning livelihood. “We need to broaden our horizons. Apart from government jobs, people can create their own businesses, especially in sectors like tourism, which has enormous potential in this region.”

The youth of POGB not only need employment opportunities but also guidance and support to unlock their full potential. Sadly, the POGB puppet government has largely failed to meet these critical needs. Following Islamabad’s behest, the government has focused more on exploiting the region’s people and resources than investing in the future of its residents.

Instead of taking concrete steps to address the development challenges of the region, the government has largely ignored the economic needs of the youth.

Despite the region’s abundant natural resources, the POGB government has failed to create a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. This neglect has left the youth of the region with little prospects and limited opportunities for development. (ANI)