Labor Market Assessment in Balochistan
The “Labour Market Assessment in Balochistan” was developed under the Team Europe-funded TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP), implemented by GIZ in collaboration with NAVTTC. The report provides evidence-based insights to guide reforms in Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector by promoting demand-driven training, expanding vocational opportunities, and advancing gender equality. Based on consultations with key public and private stakeholders, the study identifies labour market trends, skills gaps, and emerging industry needs in Balochistan. It highlights persistent challenges such as limited resources, outdated curricula, weak industry linkages, and socio-cultural barriers affecting women and disadvantaged groups. The report calls for strengthened collaboration, institutional capacity, and inclusive approaches to align TVET programmes with the province’s evolving labour market and foster sustainable economic growth.
Key findings
Economic Activities and Major Sectors
Agriculture, mining and natural resource extraction are the main drivers of Balochistan’s economy. Agriculture is still the largest means of livelihood of the rural population, with major crops including wheat, barley, dates and fruits. It also has an important role even in livestock farming, particularly in the southern and central regions where sheep, goats and cattle grow. Despite its agricultural potential, the sector is underdeveloped and remains highly vulnerable to climate change and water scarcity.
Skilled workers demand by sectors and Gender
Skill gaps
New primary data on skills gaps, combined with insights from the Balochistan Education Sector Plan (2020–25), the Balochistan Mining and Minerals Development Policy (2019), and the Community-Led Local Governance (CLLG) Policy (2023), can help policymakers develop more informed and targeted strategies to address workforce needs. In the agriculture and livestock sector—central to Balochistan’s rural economy—productivity remains low due to traditional farming methods, limited mechanisation, and inadequate irrigation systems. Although over 70–80% of rural households depend on agriculture, yields per hectare fall well below the national average. Key skill gaps include modern farming techniques, mechanised operations, irrigation management, and value chain development.
Demand by district
Labor Market Assessment in Balochistan
