Increasing jobless youth raises concerns in Kunduz

KUNDUZ (Pajhwok): The number of jobless youth has increased in northern Kunduz province, raising concerns about their joining of militant outfits.

A civil society activist, Mohammad Qasim, on Friday told Pajhwok Afghan News the government had so far taken no practical steps to provide jobs to the youth.

“The people of Kunduz are deeply concerned about the increasing joblessness because the government is doing nothing in this regard,” he said.

Another youth, Ahmad Wali, said a large number of university graduates were unable to find jobs. He alleged vacant posts were filled before they were announced due to widespread corruption and nepotism.

Officials at the youth affairs directorate in Kunduz confirmed corruption and joblessness were the main factors pushing the youth to join insurgency.

Abdul Ghafoor Hotak, head of the youth affairs directorate, said the number of jobless youth had recently increased. He said 25000 students graduated from public sector universities in Kunduz last year, but only a few landed jobs.

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