Exodus of youth: a reflection on systemic failures

The reasons behind this mass migration are rooted in the systemic failures that have plagued Pakistan for decades.

In the past five years, more than three million Pakistanis have left the country, seeking better opportunities abroad. Countless others are in the process of acquiring passports, ready to follow suit. For many young Pakistanis, leaving their homeland has become more than just a choice - it has become a mission. This exodus is a desperate attempt to escape a future that appears increasingly bleak within Pakistan's borders.

The reasons behind this mass migration are deeply rooted in the systemic failures that have plagued Pakistan for decades. The story of a young person who, after sixteen years of education, ends up as a street sweeper while someone with minimal qualifications, backed by political loyalty, is appointed head of an institution, is a glaring example of this failure. The institutions that should be serving the public are instead filled with individuals who are more committed to their political affiliations than to the welfare of the people. This misplaced loyalty leads to the appointment of unqualified individuals to positions of power, relegating the educated to subordinate roles. In such an environment, the value of education diminishes, and the morale of the educated workforce plummets.

The decline of education in Pakistan is further exacerbated by the commercialisation of academic credentials. It has become a lucrative business, where even a few rupees can secure a matriculation certificate, and higher degrees can be bought without any real academic effort. Schools, colleges and universities have become mere shells of their intended purpose, offering education in name only. Instead of being provided with the facilities and support they need to thrive, students are often diverted into activities that detract from their studies, treating education as a burden rather than a pathway to success.

The responsibility for this dismal state of affairs lies squarely with the government. Every administration, through its cabinet members, has contributed to the degradation of the education system, leaving young people with little hope for a future within Pakistan. It is no wonder, then, that many young Pakistanis see no option but to seek opportunities elsewhere. They believe that abroad, they can finally prove their worth - something that seems increasingly impossible within their own country.

This trend of outward migration is not just a personal choice; it is a right - an assertion of their need to find a place where their talents and hard work will be recognised and rewarded. In Pakistan, even those with a master's degree find themselves struggling to secure a job, facing a bureaucratic system that offers little in the way of merit-based opportunities.

The situation is dire, but it is not beyond repair. There is still time to address the underlying issues and prevent further brain drain. The government must take decisive action to restore the integrity of the education system; ensure that merit prevails over political loyalty; and create an environment where young people see a future for themselves in Pakistan. If these steps are not taken, Pakistan risks facing movements similar to those in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where public frustration reached a boiling point.