In a bold move to tackle Pakistan’s growing youth unemployment and skills deficit, the government has formally requested China to fund 10,000 PhD scholarships for Pakistani students at the country’s top 25 universities.
The initiative comes in response to a World Bank report revealing that nearly 37% of Pakistan’s youth, around 10 million people aged 15-24, are currently not in employment, education, or training. The scholarships aim to equip young Pakistanis with expertise in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and advanced sciences.
“The proposal was presented to Chinese officials, who have shown interest and requested further details,” said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. He described the initiative as a key step in strengthening the “softer” side of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing human capital development alongside infrastructure growth.
In addition to PhD scholarships, the government has proposed vocational training programs, youth innovation centers, and internships with Chinese companies to provide a broader set of skills in technology, industry, and green growth.
The World Bank report warns that without such initiatives, skill gaps and poor education quality could deepen social and economic inequality, particularly affecting young women and urban poor.
To further support effective implementation, the Planning Ministry is also seeking approval to hire foreign consultants to ensure CPEC projects and national policies meet international standards.
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This ambitious plan marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to youth development, prioritizing education, innovation, and global collaboration as tools for long-term economic growth.