Pakistan’s census data reveals 18.7 million unemployed, 25 million children out of school

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has released detailed findings from the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023, showing that 7.8% (18.7 million) of the total population is unemployed, while 11% of the working-age population (171.7 million) remains without jobs. 

The country’s total population has reached 241.4 million, growing at an annual rate of 2.55%.

The census data highlights that 6.48 million unemployed individuals fall within the 25-40 age group, 6.19 million between 15-24 years, and 3.37 million in the 41-60 bracket. 

Among the working population, 66.2 million are employed, including 23.1 million paid employees, 11.1 million in agriculture, and 13 million in non-agriculture sectors. 

The report also noted 9.78 million unpaid agricultural workers and 5.26 million in non-agricultural roles.

Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at 61%, with male literacy at 68% and female literacy at 54%. The census also reveals a significant educational gap, with 25.37 million children (35.6% of those aged 5-16) out of school.

The census data further documents internal migration trends, indicating that 5.4% (13 million) of the population has migrated. Of these, 8.55 million moved within provinces, 4.03 million relocated to different provinces, and 488,628 migrated from abroad. 

The reasons for migration include 2.59 million for employment, 525,000 for education, and 2.56 million for marriage, while 5.66 million moved with family.