The burden of promise

In the complex arena of global affairs, a nation’s true legacy is measured not just by its achievements on the world stage, but by how those successes transform the daily lives of its people. Pakistan, positioned at the heart of Asia and the Middle East, has recently secured a string of diplomatic victories that have reignited optimism among its leadership and inspired hope across its citizenry. From renewed engagement with the USA, symbolized by high-profile meetings in Washington, to strategic realignments with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners, Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to engage the complexities of global politics with skill and foresight. These achievements are more than diplomatic victories; if used wisely, they can reshape Pakistan’s economy and society.

The USA, long a critical player in Pakistan’s strategic calculus, has re-engaged with Pakistan in a manner that transcends traditional diplomacy. Beyond symbolic gestures, such as hosting Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership at the White House, concrete outcomes have begun to materialize. Agreements to facilitate mineral investments, the easing of trade restrictions, and collaborative initiatives in technology and defence illustrate a renewed recognition of Pakistan as a vital partner in a region marked by volatility.

Simultaneously, the recent pact with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing economic cooperation, energy security, and mutual investment, underscores Pakistan’s ability to diversify its international relationships and reduce dependency on any single power. These diplomatic manoeuvres reflect a sophisticated understanding of global dynamics, balancing ties with the USA, China, and regional actors to maintain strategic flexibility.

Yet, while the world applauds Pakistan’s rising profile, a more sober reality unfolds at home. With a population exceeding 250 million, the country faces an employment crisis that threatens its long-term stability. Recent government data indicates that youth unemployment hovers around 9.86 percent, disproportionately affecting highly educated individuals. Comparisons with regional neighbours illuminate the challenge: India, with a youth unemployment rate of approximately 7.5 percent, and Bangladesh, at around 6.8 percent, have implemented targeted skill development and entrepreneurship programmes that have moderated unemployment, whereas Pakistan struggles with a persistent skills mismatch and underutilized human potential. Every day, thousands of young men and women, brimming with talent and ambition, are compelled to seek opportunities abroad, fuelling a brain drain that deprives the nation of its most dynamic workforce.

The paradox is striking. Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements provide unprecedented access to capital, technology, and markets, yet domestic policies lag behind, preventing these gains from transforming everyday lives. The government now faces an imperative: to translate geopolitical victories into domestic prosperity, turning external success into tangible benefits for millions of citizens.

Strategic international partnerships can and must be leveraged to foster industries that generate employment, particularly in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and technology. Investment inflows from the USA, Saudi Arabia, China, and other allies can finance vocational training programs, incubate startups, and modernize education systems, aligning the workforce with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

The government must turn Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements into tangible domestic progress by creating jobs, investing in education and skills training, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among youth. Policies should address structural unemployment, bridge the skills gap, and promote innovation to unlock the potential of a young population. 

Moreover, Pakistan possesses the demographic and geographic potential to emerge as an Asian tiger. With a young, energetic population and a strategic position connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, the country could emulate the rapid development witnessed in nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which harnessed demographic dividends to drive industrialization, technological advancement, and regional trade.

By creating conditions conducive to entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium enterprises, and incentivizing innovation, Pakistan can unlock the latent creativity and energy of its youth. Economic diversification, particularly in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and mineral processing, will be essential to reduce dependence on traditional agriculture and textiles while providing sustainable, high-quality employment.

The government’s role is pivotal. Policy stability, transparency, and consistent support for economic reform are prerequisites for attracting long-term foreign investment. Infrastructure projects, from transport corridors to digital networks, should be prioritized not merely as symbols of progress but as engines of employment and industrial growth. Regional cooperation, particularly with neighbours like Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the Gulf states, can open new trade corridors, joint ventures, and cross-border initiatives that benefit local communities. The nation’s leadership must embrace a vision where foreign policy victories are inseparable from domestic reform, a philosophy in which the prestige earned abroad fuels tangible progress at home.

Yet, perhaps the most critical element is social investment. Education must be reimagined to cultivate skills relevant to the 21st-century economy, encompassing not only technical proficiency but also entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Women, who remain underrepresented in the workforce, must be empowered through access to education, professional opportunities, and supportive social policies. The inclusion of all citizens, irrespective of gender or background, will expand the labour pool, strengthen societal cohesion, and reinforce the nation’s resilience in an unpredictable global environment.

The government must turn Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements into tangible domestic progress by creating jobs, investing in education and skills training, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among youth. Policies should address structural unemployment, bridge the skills gap, and promote innovation to unlock the potential of a young population. Students and young professionals should focus on continuous learning, developing technical and entrepreneurial skills, and contributing to national development initiatives. By combining effective governance with a skilled and proactive youth, Pakistan can transform international success into lasting economic growth, social advancement, and renewed national pride.