Pakistan's Youthful Talent: An Economic Export Opportunity.

Byline: Muhammad Rauhan Rasheed

Pakistan is facing a severe economic crisis, adversely affecting ordinary citizens' lives. This situation is primarily attributed to political instability, the balance of payment crises, recent floods, and corruption. However, it is widely believed that the continuous population growth in Pakistan is also a significant contributor to the country's food crises, unemployment, and security risks. Some segments of society have expressed concerns about the impact of high fertility rates, contributing to the larger issue of overpopulation in the country. While it is undeniable that Pakistan's population is alarmingly high, it is also possible to view it as an advantage for the country. For instance, exporting Pakistani-qualified individuals abroad could help alleviate the current economic crisis.

Pakistan is deemed the fifth-largest nation in terms of its youth population, with approximately 63 percent of its populace comprising individuals aged 15 to 33 years. In contrast, several countries worldwide grapple with the peak child phenomenon and the silver tsunami. The global child count is dwindling, while the proportion of elderly individuals is increasing. This demographic winter significantly impacts the developed nations, including Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia. The replacement level fertility (RLF) or Total fertility rate (TFR) in many countries has fallen below the recommended healthy benchmark of 2.1 children per woman. Demographers widely acknowledge that if a country's RLF falls below 2.1, it will decrease population over time, resulting in a disproportionate number of elderly individuals. Developed nations have implemented various measures to address this issue, including financial incentives such as tax breaks and social benefits like maternity leave to encourage larger families. China relaxed its one-child policy in 2016 to counteract population aging.

However, the culture of reduced reproduction has become ingrained in many societies worldwide, rendering such policies ineffective in altering the course of these countries' populations for the next two decades, at the very least. The global population requires more offspring, and Pakistan boasts a comparatively high fertility rate. Rather than condemning this trend, Pakistan ought to leverage its population advantage through efficient management. Numerous surveys indicate that Pakistan's fertility rate exceeded 3.4 in 2022. Notably, Pakistan's...