Pakistan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Pakistan's youth unemployment was 9.59% in 2025, ranked 67th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's youth unemployment stood at 9.59% in 2025, a rise of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.95% by 2026. Pakistan ranked 67th globally.
Pakistan's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, spanning from a low of 0.82% in 2007 to a high of 11.05% in 2021. The country's youth unemployment rate peaked in 2021, with 11.05% of the young population out of work, while it experienced a trough in 2007, with just 0.82% unemployed. In recent years, Pakistan's youth unemployment rate has shown a slight decline, standing at 9.59% as of 2025, ranking 67th globally. This rate is comparable to that of Nicaragua, which also experienced a decline in youth unemployment, and lags behind peer countries such as Australia, which has a slightly higher rate of 9.61%. The continued growth of Pakistan's economy and investments in education and vocational training could potentially alter the trajectory of youth unemployment, with a decrease in the rate possible if these initiatives are implemented effectively.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 8.39% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.67% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.59% | +0.07pp | #67 |
| 2024 | 9.52% | +0.10pp | #65 |
| 2023 | 9.42% | −0.03pp | #65 |
| 2022 | 9.45% | −1.61pp | #61 |
| 2021 | 11.05% | +0.31pp | #68 |
| 2020 | 10.74% | +1.14pp | #56 |
| 2019 | 9.60% | +1.74pp | #64 |
| 2018 | 7.86% | +1.35pp | #48 |
| 2017 | 6.52% | +1.35pp | #33 |
| 2016 | 5.17% | −1.52pp | #25 |
| 2015 | 6.68% | +2.63pp | #33 |
| 2014 | 4.05% | −1.93pp | #21 |
| 2013 | 5.98% | −1.58pp | #30 |
| 2012 | 7.56% | +5.84pp | #40 |
| 2011 | 1.72% | +0.43pp | #6 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's youth unemployment was 9.59% in 2025. Ranked 67th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's youth unemployment peaked at 11.05% in 2021.
The lowest youth unemployment in Pakistan was 0.82% in 2007.
Pakistan ranks 67th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.95% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Pakistan in 2025 was 9.59%. This ranks 67th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_youth-unemployment,
title = {Pakistan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}