KARACHI:
Human capital flight, or brain drain, is a phenomenon where highly skilled, trained and qualified graduates and postgraduate scholars move to other countries with the intention of seeking a better standard of living. With 10 million experts, including young doctors, engineers and IT professionals, already settled in foreign countries and various others currently attempting to do the same, not many are aware that Pakistan has been adversely affected by this syndrome.
Even though there is a dearth of literature regarding the specific details of the impact such a phenomenon has, it does not take a genius to realise its negative implications. It is rather obvious that the increase in human capital flight has an impact on GDP and income growth. Furthermore, when a country is devoid of its skilled labour force and is unable to hone its intellectual capacity, progress and development may come to a screeching halt. Such a situation creates a void which is slowly filled by evil practices such as corruption and nepotism. History indicates that a country without its leading intellectuals is like a ship without a rudder. World War II is replete with instances where problems were solved by masterminds such as Alan Turning. This shows that in order to understand and deal with complex issues, whether of climate change or national security, such people can be of paramount importance.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has been unable to contain its talent pool, primarily because the living conditions in the country are deplorable. The job market remains saturated, income is low and the only way one can get promoted at a higher position is through some form of reference. Such a situation can only be altered through radical change.
Hasnain Tarmazi
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2021.
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