In the face of challenging economic conditions in Pakistan, 25-year-old Hamza Khalid experiences immense pressure as the sole breadwinner for his family of five. Each game he wins in electronic gaming translates to extra income for him and his family. Hamza works as an engineer at an IT company for seven hours a day, but spends most of his time after work gaming.
Hamza is part of a growing number of Pakistani youth who are turning to electronic gaming platforms to boost their income, as unemployment rates continue to rise and wages remain low. Hamza states, "After four to five years of university study, you earn a degree that qualifies you for a basic salary ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistani Rupees (approximately 143 to 180 US dollars) at most, while investing in the electronic gaming industry can yield an income of up to 500,000 Rupees monthly."
Event Details
Unemployment among youth is a major issue in Pakistan, where the labor market struggles to absorb the increasing number of graduates. According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the number of unemployed individuals has risen by approximately 1.4 million over the past five years, reaching nearly 6 million people between 2024 and 2025.
The electronic gaming industry is a rapidly growing sector worldwide, valued in the billions of dollars. In Pakistan, this growth is driven by a young generation with high technological skills, seeking new ways to earn a living. More than half of the country's population is under the age of thirty, providing a large base of potential players and audiences.
Background & Context
Historically, Pakistan has faced multiple economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and low wages. Despite government efforts to improve the economic situation, challenges persist. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, notes that Pakistan needs to generate between 2.5 to 3 million jobs annually over the next decade to convert this young demographic into an economic asset; otherwise, the country risks instability and migration.
Signs of distress are already evident, as approximately 4,000 doctors left Pakistan last year, marking the highest recorded annual exit rate, according to data from Gallup Pakistan based on official figures. Economists warn that this phenomenon, known as "brain drain," could worsen.
Impact & Consequences
"Brain drain" is a concern for economists, as Pakistan has lost many professionals to countries like North America and Europe. Sayed Ali Ihsan from the Economic Policy Research Institute in Islamabad states, "Pakistan has already suffered from brain drain, and this problem could escalate further."
At the same time, the government is working to address the unemployment issue by creating job opportunities and improving vocational training. Officials expect to create over 1.6 million jobs this year, along with programs aimed at equipping graduates with necessary skills in sectors such as information technology, banking, food, and healthcare.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are also affected by similar issues related to youth unemployment, as many young Arabs seek job opportunities abroad. The success of Pakistani youth in the electronic gaming field could serve as a model in the region, where this industry can provide new economic opportunities for Arab youth.
In conclusion, the question remains whether government efforts are sufficient to address the scale of unemployment in the country. For many young individuals like Hamza, their options remain limited, driving them to continue gaming.