LCCI stresses on tackling Pakistan’s brain drain

Officials say govt should launch effective programmes to address issue

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) highlighted the need for more opportunities for skilled manpower to tackle the issue of brain-drain.

It should be a matter of concern that the migration rate of skilled manpower has increased by more than 60% since 1990 and the situation is becoming worse, said LCCI officials in a statement Saturday.

They said that a developing country like Pakistan cannot afford to continue losing skilled human resources that can turn the economy around but are leaving the country for good opportunities.

The officials urged the government to tackle the issues - that are forcing skilled manpower to migrate - on a priority basis.

They said that lack of justice and resources, unemployment and growing population are some of the main reasons that are giving rise to the brain-drain in Pakistan. Additionally, poor financial conditions, political instability, lack of access to good health facilities, and lack of proper education centres are further aggravating the problem.

The LCCI office-bearers said that, according to some surveys, more than two-thirds of the country’s youth wants to go abroad for work, of which 50% have no desire to return to their country. This trend means that Pakistan is losing out on more and more of its skilled human capital.

The officials argued that the drain needs to stop for which the government should provide better jobs. Promotions should be awarded on merit and attractive salaries should be offered to highly-qualified people on the basis of their experience.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2017.

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