OUR country is going through the toughest of times. The economy has hit rock bottom. The Labour Force Survey 2011 shows that unemployment soared to six per cent from 5.60 per cent a year earlier.

History has proven that with each downturn in the economy, it is only persistence and entrepreneurial drive that brings us back.

Entrepreneurship has made tremendous contribution in accelerating the socio-economic development of developing countries.

But in Pakistan, we see there is a lack of entrepreneurial spirit, while change, critical thinking, creativity and innovation are not encouraged by educational system. Similarly, the educational system does not encourage entrepreneurship.

The notion of starting a business is not deeply entrenched in the local culture.

Meanwhile, appropriate efforts are not being made in inculcating the entrepreneurial passion among pupils. Thus we observe widespread unemployment. There are way too many job seekers than job creators.

There is dire need of spreading entrepreneurial culture. This is perhaps the only way out of this state of depression and shrinking job market.

Significant student counselling must be provided in this regard to enhance potential entrepreneurs. The forthcoming government must support small medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhance the roles of relevant agencies, Smeda, chamber of commerce and the likes.

AMIR IKRAM            Lahore