Pakistan’s economic instability is driving away valuable talent and skills that, if recognized and utilized, could have contributed significantly to national growth.
One notable example is Asad Ejaz Butt, highlighted as one of Pakistan’s most promising talents in a recent media report. Driven by a passion for his country’s development, Butt, a seasoned economist, returned to Pakistan after completing his graduate studies in Canada.
Despite securing prominent roles under two finance ministers, Pakistan’s economic turmoil made it nearly impossible for Butt to meet basic living costs, as inflation soared to the highest in Asia. He ultimately faced the difficult choice to resign from his government position and move back to North America for stability and further education, Bloomberg reported.
Butt’s story is part of a broader trend, as Pakistan’s brain drain drains the nation of essential expertise during a critical period. Professionals from banking, healthcare, and technology sectors are migrating abroad, leaving Pakistan with fewer resources and skills. Basic necessities have become luxuries; in Karachi, for instance, milk prices have now surpassed those in Paris.
According to a United Nations report, 2023 marked a peak in emigration, particularly among Pakistan’s highly educated and skilled workers. In the past three years, about one million skilled professionals—including doctors, engineers, and managers—have emigrated, placing Pakistan among the top ten countries facing high emigration rates.
The country’s dwindling dollar reserves, required to meet debt obligations, have led to an IMF bailout of $7 billion. This talent exodus poses a significant threat, as Pakistan desperately needs skilled professionals to help overcome its decade-long economic crisis.
Another study by Pulse Consultant reveals that approximately 10 million Pakistanis have emigrated in search of better opportunities over the past 17 years. The highest emigration rates occurred during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) tenure from 2013 to 2018. The report, titled An Overview of Pakistani Emigration Patterns, notes that 9.56 million people left Pakistan over this period.
