Technical skills as mitigator of youth bulge risk: A human security perspective

Abstract

Nobody can negate importance of Pakistan because of its location at a demographic crossroads and fascinating youth bulge. At the moment it possesses one of the largest youth bulges in the country's history because over 60 % of the population is under 30. Large numbers of unemployed young people are viewed as a threat by the traditional security model.  They are considered as a setup for crime, radicalization and societal unrest. Using the alternate lens of human security, this paper flips that logic upside down. Instead of just traditional security perspective, it focuses on personal, economic and community security. Albeit, Lack of practical and technical skills convert that massive demographic resource into a total national liability. Qualitative analysis and structured labour data from Pakistan's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector shows that market-integrated technical skills serve as a buffer against established threats. Alignment of outdated technical institutions curricula with modern market requirements will minimize economic vulnerabilities, build long lasting resilience and mitigate young people feelings of being sidelined, especially in highly threatened regions.