ISLAMABAD : Former Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali, has issued a stern warning that history will hold the government accountable if immediate, emergency measures are not taken to eliminate unemployment and address the growing despair among the youth.
Former Governor emphasized that Pakistan’s most critical challenge is not the struggle for political power, but the rising hopelessness and negative trends among educated youth caused by a lack of economic opportunities. He urged the authorities to address this “ticking time bomb” before time runs out.
Haji Ghulam Ali questioned the silence of the federal and provincial governments, noting a painful contrast in political behavior. He remarked that while political parties remain locked in mutual conflicts and accusations, they show unprecedented unity when it comes to increasing their own salaries and privileges.
Meanwhile, he said, educated youth with degrees in hand are wandering the streets in search of a livelihood. He cited the staggering fact that over 100,000 applications were received for a mere 108 vacancies in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This is not just a statistic; it is a cry of helplessness from an entire generation. It is undeniable proof that the federal and provincial governments have failed to provide honorable employment,” he stated.
He further noted that the country’s most talented and skilled individuals are selling their homes and assets to seek a future abroad. According to Haji Ghulam Ali, this should not be viewed merely as “brain drain” but as a “declaration of complete state failure.” He warned that when a state fails to provide hope, its citizens are forced to look beyond its borders.
The former Governor warned that if the government continues to prioritize political ego and empty slogans over serious decision-making, this public frustration could transform into protests, chaos, and ultimately, national loss. He proposed a four-point emergency plan:
• Declare a National Emergency on unemployment.
• Relax Industrial Policies to make them practical and investor-friendly.
• Promote Industrialization and investment to create immediate job openings.
• Bridge the Gap between the youth and the state to ensure they contribute to the country’s development rather than fleeing it.
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Haji Ghulam Ali called upon the country’s powerful circles to compel the government to take effective, long-lasting steps for the youth. “If we close our eyes today instead of supporting our youth, history will ask: where were the governments when an entire generation was losing hope?”
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
