JALALABAD (SW) – A number of university graduates in Nangarhar province have expressed their frustration with unemployment and have called on the Islamic Emirate’s de-facto government to create job opportunities.
They warn that without job prospects, many young people may be forced to migrate.
Fazl Hadi, a resident of Behsud district in Nangarhar and an engineering graduate from Nangarhar University, reports that he has applied to numerous government institutions over the past few years but has not received any positive responses. He claims that hiring in most departments is based on personal connections, lacking transparency.
“Since I graduated, I’ve been unemployed. I studied under difficult conditions, and despite all my efforts, I am still searching for a job. Unemployment is so high that even simple jobs are hard to find,” he says.
Migration as a last resort
Another graduate, Melat Danish, who studied Pashto language and literature at Nangarhar University, shares similar frustrations. Despite his efforts, he has not secured a position in any governmental or non-governmental organization. Danish warns that if educated youth cannot find jobs, they will resort to migration.
“We see many people turning to theft due to unemployment. Some resort to drug use or other undesirable activities, which creates problems in society,” he explained.
Saeed Ahmad Banuri, the deputy governor of Nangarhar, promises that the government will strive to create job opportunities for young people in both governmental and non-governmental sectors. He asserts that, compared to the past, hiring practices have become more transparent.
“So far, we have hired many skilled individuals in the center and districts, filling numerous positions. We are working to employ educated individuals in the remaining positions,” he states.
Asadullah Ahmadzai, an economic analyst, says, “The government must create job opportunities for the people. This will lead to economic growth and increase public trust in the government. If job opportunities are not provided, the gap between the government and the people will widen.”
Beyond Nangarhar, many provinces face similar issues, with citizens complaining about unemployment. Every year, a significant number of both educated and uneducated young people resort to illegal migration to other countries to support their families due to the lack of job opportunities at home.
