Pakistan has witnessed an alarming 119% increase in the emigration of highly skilled professionals during the year 2023, according to the latest Economic Survey 2023-24.
The report underscores a profound exodus of talent, raising serious concerns about the nation's ability to retain its intellectual capital amidst economic turbulence.
The statistics paint a grim picture: a staggering 45,687 skilled individuals departed Pakistan in pursuit of better opportunities abroad, compared to 20,865 in the preceding year. This surge in brain drain has punctured the government's claims of ushering in a prosperous future for the country.
The impact of this phenomenon has been felt across various regions, with Punjab leading the emigration wave as 489,301 labourers sought employment abroad. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed with 210,150 departures, while Sindh and the tribal areas registered 72,382 and 36,609 emigrants respectively.
Economic experts attribute this mass exodus to a protracted economic crisis that unfolded in late 2021, triggering the closure of nearly half of the industrial units nationwide and exacerbating unemployment woes.
The resultant lack of viable job opportunities within the country has forced skilled workers to seek livelihoods overseas, where prospects appear more promising.
Despite the gloomy outlook, the Economic Survey highlights the resilience of Pakistani expatriates in bolstering the nation's economy through remittance inflows. Moreover, the survey notes a 4% increase in registrations with the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment and the Overseas Employment Corporation, indicating sustained interest among Pakistanis in seeking employment opportunities abroad.
The latest Labor Force Survey underscores a challenging domestic employment scenario, with a substantial portion of the population grappling with joblessness.
As of 2020-21, Pakistan's unemployment rate stands at 6.3%, with younger demographics, particularly those aged 15 to 24, bearing the brunt of job scarcity.
