PM terms brain drain as ‘part of talent hunt’

Kakar says no evidence of dramatic surge in brain drain in prevailing circumstances

SWABI:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq expressed a positive perspective on the phenomenon of brain drain, saying that individuals leaving Pakistan for better opportunities could become an asset for the country.

During an interactive session with students at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering, Science, and Technology, he cited examples of Indian nationals who had left their country and returned as valuable contributors.

The prime minister urged encouragement for those seeking better economic opportunities and skills abroad, “I consider their journey a part of the talent hunt,” he added.

Addressing measures to curb brain drain, he said that said those leaving the country were not going to disappear rather they would seize better economic opportunities and skills, which should be encouraged.

He stated there was no evidence of a dramatic surge in brain drain in the prevailing circumstances rather it was a continuous process of skilled, semi-skilled, and non-skilled people moving abroad for better economic opportunities.

The prime minister noted that the export of human resources was a significant component of the country's GDP.

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Responding to a question about the arrest of Imran Khan, he emphasised that the state had the inherent right to apprehend those violating laws, and the arrest was carried out under specific legal provisions, not by any political party.

He urged the educated class to also debate their political attitudes besides claiming their right to agitate.

He called for an inclusive “all of us” approach and encouraged engaging in qualitative discussions and contribute to the betterment of society.

PM Kakar underscored the need for a performing democracy, stating that transitional democracies like Pakistan must focus on performance to evolve into settled democracies.

Responding to another question, he said that it is the responsibility of every individual to defend the nation's ideological frontiers.

He stressed that Islam promotes reform and encourages dialogue, provided it avoids negative societal impacts.

Read: Govt can ban anyone under the law, says Kakar

Responding to a query on critical thinking, the prime minister asserted that neither the state nor anyone else can suppress critical thinking but being a critical thinker does not justify abusive conversations.

“Unfortunately, critical thinkers are not being born. This is the tragedy. I am trying to find Rousseau and Voltaire of my time,” he remarked.

Addressing the issue of low girls' education ratios, he stressed that a societal shift in attitude is crucial. He highlighted the importance of building positive influences voluntarily and taking pride in the accomplishments of both girls and boys, is necessary for meaningful change, going beyond government interventions.

He assured that the state of Pakistan did not discriminate based on gender and the challenges of primary and higher education could only be tackled by the state through collaborations at the district and tehsil levels.

In concluding remarks, the prime minister underscored the significance of academia-industry collaboration. He highlighted that this linkage is essential not only for economic dividends but also for creating an ecosystem that generates opportunities for graduates, meeting the needs of the corporate sector.