KARACHI:
The precarious situation of the economy and political turmoil has left the Pakistani youth hopeless. Both skilled and unskilled individuals are migrating from the country legally and illegally in search of better opportunities. Highly qualified individuals migrating to other countries will intensify the brain drain issue leaving many sectors understaffed. This will impede innovation and development in the country.
On the other hand, young men from rural and impoverished regions are more inclined to take dangerous journeys with the help of human smugglers. The recent tragedy in Greece should have been a warning sign for many, but the disillusioned youth are still adamant about undertaking perilous journeys. Travel agents and smugglers do not reveal travel information and charge hefty sums of money. Families give up their entire savings or take loans to fulfil their children’s aspirations. The government has finally awakened from its slumber and launched a crackdown against human smugglers, but this is not enough. It needs to address the core reasons that are driving the youth out of Pakistan.
Even though ex-pats support the country through remittances, people need to be informed of legal channels and ways to emigrate. Education needs to be made affordable and accessible to equip the younger generations with basic knowledge and skills. Simultaneously, the government must revive industries and encourage public and private organisations to expand and innovate to create employment. In the meantime, the government must probe into the travel agents and facilitators involved in human smuggling and root these elements out to prevent vulnerable youth from being further exploited.
Sidra Shahid
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2023.
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