Snowballing brain drain

The deteriorating socio-economic condition of Pakistan is forcing people to flee the crisis-hit country. Unemployment is rampant, the rupee has hit an unimaginable low, inflation is sky-rocketing, oil prices are surging, opportunities are dwindling, and the passport remains one of the worst in the world. It has become hard for a middle-class family to survive with just a single earning member. As a result, youngsters are looking for any possible opportunity to move abroad in hopes of securing a job and making a peaceful living. In the process, they also hope to send back money to their families so they are able to cope with the economic crisis the country has been reeling with.

This is not just attributed to economic woes but also the worsening standard of living coupled with an atmosphere of fear and instability. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment states that a staggering 800,000 citizens left Pakistan to take up jobs in 2022 — up by around 20% from the previous year. Countless others leave for immigration or education purposes without returning back. While this may have some benefit such as increasing remittances and creating international connections, the snowballing brain drain could seriously hamper Pakistan’s recovery. Educated youth and experiences professionals are actively seeking a way out of the mess that Pakistan is, which is creating a dearth of sincere leaders in the country. Such people need to be retained and included in the development process if we are to pull this country out of the economic quagmire. Unfortunately, for the majority, it seems that the country is now being considered as a sinking ship that needs to be abandoned.

The bottom line is that the torch bearers of our country have failed at paving a path towards progress and prosperity. Only the promise of a better life through concrete actions and prudent measures can give hope to Pakistanis.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2023.

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