Abstract

This study investigates the disparity between the education sector and the job sector in Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on the difficulties experienced by educated young people in obtaining adequate work opportunities. The primary data for this study has been collected through questionnaires distributed to employees working in Pakistan and foreign countries. Moreover, a focused group discussion has also been conducted with employers. The goal of this research is to analyze the findings and provide policy suggestions based on them. Our findings are, firstly, workers outside Pakistan were more dissatisfied with their educational institutions’ counseling, training, and education. This indicates that Pakistan’s education must be improved. Second, foreigners disagreed more than Pakistanis about the usefulness of academic degrees in the workplace. Pakistani participants disagreed more on resource availability than international participants. Furthermore, Pakistani participants reported higher work unhappiness and concerns about workforce shortages. Fresh graduates also disliked their job options. The research underlines the need to improve education employment

alignment and consider gender differences in job satisfaction and worker opinions. This study proposes a platform to assess worker requirements and set job standards. This platform would allow stakeholders, including universities, to interact and locate disciplines that meet national and international criteria. Additionally, nomenclature and infrastructure of existing disciplines must be assessed and improved. Due to a lack of coordinated procedures between educational institutions and acknowledged standards, graduates’ skills don’t match labor market demands. This gap can be bridged by coordinating research institutes and academics. Brain drain—the migration of intellectual people—must be prevented. It is crucial to build a country with appealing alternatives and chances. Persistent growth requires clear policy direction and a comprehensive strategy that addresses social issues. Recognizing youth potential, provides meaningful career opportunities and guidance. Youth neglect causes unemployment, criminality, and terrorism. Moreover, adolescents need a nurturing environment to succeed. Entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector investment can transform the perception that private sector jobs are unattractive. Education, research, and organizational integration are needed to overcome the academic-employment divide. System and policy coordination can boost collaboration and industry-academic alignment. These actions will help the government build a robust and vibrant workforce, boosting Pakistan’s long-term economy.