Islamabad: Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Senator Sherry Rehman, has warned that Pakistan's rapidly growing population and rising unemployment constitute a 'ticking time bomb' that threatens economic stability and social cohesion.

Senator Rehman highlighted that Pakistan's average GDP growth from 2022-2025 stood at 1.7 percent, while population growth is 2.5 percent, leading to a continuous decline in per capita income. She warned that at least 30 million new jobs will be needed over the next decade, and failure to create sufficient employment could trigger a major crisis.

The senator noted that unemployment has risen to 7.1 percent-the highest in 21 years-and that around 22 percent of the workforce remains jobless according to the 2023 census. Key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and trade employ over 75 percent of workers but are struggling to absorb the growing labor force.

She further emphasized that high inflation and heavy taxation have reduced real incomes, increased inequality, and intensified household financial pressure. Senator Rehman urged policymakers to prioritize employment generation, economic reform, and sustainable population planning to ensure that Pakistan's young and growing workforce contributes effectively to national development.