In Pakistan, 25-year-old engineer Hamza Khalid is the sole breadwinner for a family of five. His professional salary is insufficient, forcing him to spend hours outside his IT job competing in online gaming matches for extra income.
Khalid represents a growing trend. With unemployment reaching nearly 6 million and average monthly salaries around $140, young Pakistanis are flocking to esports. The global, multi-billion-dollar industry offers potential earnings from sponsorships, prizes, and streaming-often in stronger foreign currencies like dollars.
The strain is pushing professionals out of the country. Last year saw nearly 4,000 doctors leave, the highest recorded outflow. Economists warn this 'brain drain' to North America and Europe could worsen, risking instability.
The government says it is creating jobs and skills training programs, but it remains unclear if these efforts can match the scale of the crisis. For many, like Hamza Khalid, gaming remains a necessary gamble.