It is essential that people are provided opportunities according to their credentials, qualifications and skill sets
KHAIRPUR MIRS: ‘Brain drain’ is an economic term, referring to a situation in which many educated or professional people opt to leave a particular place for a better pay and standard of living. Primarily, brain drain has recurrently been seen in Third World countries, among which Pakistan is included.
Pakistan is a country blessed with talented individuals who excel in various walks of life, both locally and internationally. However, due to a combination of reasons, a lot of these talented individuals have become discouraged by the current state of affairs in the country. A lack of job opportunities, insignificant pay scales, lack of benefits and poor work environments contribute to this situation. An evident factor is also the security situation in the country and the dearth of infrastructure development. All this results in many Pakistanis deciding to leave the county. Currently, there are over seven million Pakistanis living outside the country. Growing inequality, nepotism and the lack of opportunities have distressed the minds of the youth. In fact, they don’t have a suitable platform where they can easily showcase and practise their skills — therefore, they don’t have a choice but to move to foreign lands for better prospects.
Brain drain is one of the major causes of the downfall of any economy. Many people in Pakistan are designated to superior positions through references of ministers and landlords. Their merit-based qualifications become insignificant and candidates with better credentials are often rejected. The inequality that is resultantly created is driving people to leave their own country. It is essential for the betterment of Pakistan that people are provided opportunities according to their credentials, qualifications and skill sets. This would not only boost the economy but also expand the country’s political and social aspects. Until the government begins treating everyone equally, the brain drain will continue to grow — meaning the cream of the crop will eventually leave us.
Samiullah Soomro
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2016.
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