PESHAWAR: Thousands of educated young people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are staring at an uncertain future as unemployment continues to rise in the province.
With government hiring nearly frozen and limited opportunities in the private sector, graduates are left with degrees in hand but no clear path forward. The growing frustration is now spilling onto the streets, with youth groups demanding urgent action before the crisis deepen
The problem is visible in every major city of KP. From Peshawar to DI Khan, from Swat to Mardan, young men and women who spent years in universities are struggling to find work that matches their qualifications.
Noman Khan, a Computer Science graduate from the University of Peshawar, has been applying for jobs for three years.
“We completed 16 years of education with the hope of a better life. But today, every job posting asks for a reference. Merit has become a word we only read in books,” he said.
In Mardan, Usman Afridi, 28, cleared four NTS tests after completing his Civil Engineering degree from UET. He attended interviews but never received an appointment letter. Now he takes up temporary work to support his six siblings.
“My classmates have moved abroad. Those of us who stayed feel punished for choosing to serve our own province,” he said.
The situation is even tougher for women. Ayesha Noor, 24, from Swat, holds an http://M.Phil in English and teaches at a private academy for Rs 25,000 a month.
She applied to over 70 government teaching posts in the last two years.
“I got one interview and was told the seat was already filled. Families tell girls to get married instead of working. But I want to stand on my own feet,” she said.
Farooq Jan, 30, from DI Khan, returned to Pakistan in 2024 after working abroad for five years. He wanted to open a small workshop but was denied a bank loan due to lack of collateral. Today he waits with other youth at Qissa Khwani Bazaar for daily wage work.
“We came back thinking we could build something here. But there is no support system,” he said.
According to education experts, more than 60% of KP’s population is under 30. Every year, universities like Gomal University, BZU Bannu, UET Peshawar, and Islamia College produce thousands of graduates. But with limited industry, slow development projects, and a hiring freeze in government departments, the job market cannot absorb them.
The frustration has led to protests. Sanaullah Wazir, 27, a member of the KP Youth Forum, said young people are demanding three things: a transparent job portal, interest-free loans for startups, and skill development centers.
“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for a chance. Give us the tools and we will build KP ourselves,” he said.
Health professionals are also raising concerns. Dr. Rabia Khattak at Khyber Teaching Hospital said cases of anxiety and depression among youth aged 20-30 have increased sharply.
“The biggest issue is hopelessness. When education does not lead to employment, it creates mental and social problems,” she said.
parents warn that if immediate steps are not taken, KP risks losing its most educated generation either to migration or to despair.
KP has the talent and the degrees. What it is missing is opportunity. Until jobs match the number of graduates, the frustration among youth will only continue to grow.
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