Job Market Change in the 80s and 90s: Pakistan Perspective

The 80s and 90s were decades of deep transformation for Pakistan’s job market. These years marked a gradual but significant shift from a largely traditional, government-centered employment structure to a more diverse and competitive economic environment. Social norms, political changes, technological development, and globalization all played important roles in reshaping how Pakistanis viewed work, education, and career growth. For many families, these decades were a turning point that influenced career choices for generations to come.In the early 80s, Pakistan’s job market was still heavily dependent on agriculture, government service, and a limited industrial base. A large portion of the population lived in rural areas, where farming and related activities were the primary source of income. Government jobs were considered the most respectable and secure form of employment. Positions in departments such as railways, post offices, public schools, banks, and civil services were highly desired because they offered stability, pensions, and social status. Private sector employment, on the other hand, was often seen as risky and less honorable, especially for middle-class families.During this period, the influence of General Zia-ul-Haq’s policies also shaped employment trends. Islamization, changes in education curricula, and labor migration to the Middle East affected the workforce. The oil boom in Gulf countries created opportunities for Pakistani laborers, technicians, and professionals. Thousands of Pakistanis migrated to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf states for construction, engineering, and service jobs. Remittances sent back home became a major source of income for families and contributed to economic stability. This overseas employment trend reduced pressure on the local job market while also raising expectations for better living standards.The late 80s brought political change with the return of civilian governments. However, economic instability, inflation, and inconsistent policies affected job creation. Industries struggled due to energy shortages, poor infrastructure, and limited technological advancement. Still, urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad began to see growth in small businesses, trading companies, and service-based work. Self-employment slowly gained acceptance, particularly in retail, transport, and informal sectors.The 90s marked a more visible shift in Pakistan’s job market. Globalization and economic liberalization policies introduced during this decade encouraged private sector growth. Banks, insurance companies, advertising agencies, and multinational corporations expanded their presence in Pakistan. This created new job opportunities, especially for educated youth in urban areas. Unlike the 80s, private sector employment started gaining respect, although job security remained a concern.Education played a critical role in shaping employment patterns during the 90s. There was a noticeable increase in the number of colleges, universities, and professional institutions. Degrees in business administration, computer science, and engineering became popular. Families began to realize that government jobs alone could not absorb the growing number of graduates. As a result, students were encouraged to acquire market-oriented skills rather than relying solely on traditional degrees such as arts or general sciences.One of the most important developments of the 90s was the introduction of computers and information technology. Although internet access was limited, computers started appearing in banks, offices, and educational institutions. Basic computer skills became a valuable asset in the job market. This period laid the foundation for Pakistan’s future IT and software industry. Typing, data entry, and basic programming jobs emerged, changing the nature of office work and increasing productivity.The manufacturing sector also experienced mixed changes during these decades. Textile industries remained a major employer, especially in Punjab and Sindh. However, outdated machinery, lack of innovation, and competition from other countries limited growth. Many factories relied on low-skilled labor with minimal wages and little job security. Labor rights were often ignored, and trade unions weakened during the 90s, making workers more vulnerable.Another noticeable change in the 90s was the gradual entry of women into the workforce. While cultural restrictions still existed, more women began working as teachers, doctors, nurses, and office staff. Urban areas saw an increase in female participation in education and employment. This shift not only improved household incomes but also slowly changed societal attitudes toward working women.Despite these developments, unemployment and underemployment remained serious challenges. Rapid population growth meant that the number of job seekers increased faster than job opportunities. Many educated individuals faced frustration due to low wages, contract-based employment, and lack of career growth. Nepotism and political influence often played a role in hiring, especially in government sectors, leading to disappointment among deserving candidates.By the end of the 90s, Pakistan’s job market had clearly changed compared to the early 80s. The economy was no longer solely dependent on agriculture and government employment. The private sector, overseas work, education, and technology had become important pillars of employment. However, these changes also exposed weaknesses such as skill gaps, inequality, and policy inconsistency.In conclusion, the job market changes in Pakistan during the 80s and 90s reflected a country in transition. These decades reshaped attitudes toward education, work, and career planning. While opportunities expanded in some areas, challenges persisted due to economic instability and population growth. The experiences of this period continue to influence Pakistan’s labor market today, serving as a reminder that sustainable job growth requires consistent policies, skill development, and inclusive economic planning.