In 2024, more than 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for work, down 15% from the 862,625 people who left in 2023.
While some see this decline as detrimental to Pakistan, others see it as an opportunity for skilled professionals to improve their skills and bring back excellence, Express News reported.
Despite the reduced numbers, remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis have played a vital role in stabilizing the national economy.
According to State Bank data, Pakistan received $34.634 billion in remittances in 2024, up 31.36% from the previous year. This inflow of foreign currency has been essential to maintain foreign exchange reserves and manage the country’s import bills.
Economist Usama Siddiqui noted that remittances have become the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, helping the country navigate through economic challenges.
He emphasized that without these remittances, Pakistan’s economic condition would have deteriorated significantly.
However, there is still concern about the country’s growing brain drain. A report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics revealed that 200,000 skilled and professional workers will leave Pakistan by 2024.
Despite the loss of talent, some argue that migration provides opportunities for individuals to develop new skills and gain experience that can benefit Pakistan when they return.
Pakistani expatriates in developed countries not only improve their capabilities but also contribute to knowledge transfer, education, investment and entrepreneurship.
Sheikh Tahir Imran, a Pakistani expatriate in the US, acknowledged the brain drain as a setback but argued that many professionals cannot develop their skills within Pakistan’s existing infrastructure.
He emphasized that these individuals, having worked in advanced nations, can contribute to Pakistan’s development by bringing back global expertise and technology.
Sikandar Salman, a British Pakistani, pointed out that Pakistan still has millions of professionals and questioned why the government and private companies are not tapping into their potential.
He urged Pakistan to embrace brain drain in a manner similar to India, where successful individuals, such as the British Prime Minister of Indian descent, have held prominent global positions.
In the long run, Pakistan can benefit from embracing the mobility of its professionals and ensuring that they continue to contribute both locally and globally.
