Unemployment Crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Call for Change

Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan faces rampant youth unemployment despite its potential. Local activist Fahim Akhter urges governmental shift towards promoting entrepreneurship. Infrastructure deficits and a focus on government jobs hinder economic growth. The region remains untapped, as local governance prioritizes exploitation over development, neglecting the needs of its youth.

Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is seeing a troubling rise in unemployment among its young graduates, amid concerns about the effectiveness of the local government. Despite the innate beauty and growth potential, the youth struggle to find jobs, posing a critical issue for the community.

Fahim Akhter, a prominent social activist in the area, has voiced the frustrations of the youth, pointing to an alarming gap between government job promises and the reality that graduates face. He highlights a dire need for the government to pivot towards fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

Akhter suggests enhanced support for local businesses as the pathway to alleviate unemployment. He underscores the importance of resource allocation, such as soft loans, to empower prospective entrepreneurs. He criticizes the lack of development despite strategic geographical proximity to trade routes. Furthermore, he calls for a cultural shift away from dependence on government jobs towards diverse business ventures like tourism. However, he criticizes the puppet government's neglect under Islamabad's influence, focusing more on exploiting resources rather than fostering economic growth for its people.

(With inputs from agencies.)