In 2024, more than 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for work, a decrease of 15% compared to 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 capabilities and bring back their expertise, Express News reported.
Despite their small number, remittances sent 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, an increase of 31.36 percent from the previous year. This influx of foreign currency has been crucial to maintaining foreign exchange reserves and meeting the country’s import bills.
Economist Usama Siddiqui pointed out that remittances have become the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, helping the country overcome economic difficulties.
He pointed out that without these remittances, Pakistan’s economic situation would have deteriorated significantly.
However, concerns remain about the growing brain drain in the country. A report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics found that 200,000 skilled workers and professionals will leave Pakistan in 2024.
Despite the loss of talent, some argue that migration offers individuals the opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience that can benefit Pakistan upon their 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 United States, acknowledged that the brain drain was a setback, but argued that many professionals cannot develop their skills within Pakistan’s existing infrastructure.
He highlighted that these people, after working in advanced countries, can contribute to the development of Pakistan 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 tackle the brain drain in the same way as India, which has seen successful personalities, such as the British Prime Minister of Indian origin, occupy important positions globally .
In the long term, Pakistan could benefit from the mobility of its professionals, ensuring that they continue to contribute both locally and globally.