In 2024, over 727,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad for employment, marking a 15% decline from the 862,625 individuals who left in 2023. While some view this decrease as a challenge for Pakistan, others argue it could be an opportunity for skilled professionals to enhance their abilities and return with valuable expertise.
Despite the drop in migration numbers, remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis remain a crucial pillar for the economy. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan shows that the country received $34.634 billion in remittances in 2024, reflecting a 31.36% increase from the previous year. This surge has been vital in maintaining foreign exchange reserves and meeting Pakistan’s import needs.
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Economist Usama Siddiqui highlighted the importance of these remittances, stating that they have become the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Without this steady inflow of foreign currency, he noted, the country’s economic conditions would have deteriorated significantly.
However, concerns linger over the increasing brain drain, as a report from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics revealed that 200,000 skilled workers and professionals left the country in 2024. While this loss of talent is worrisome, some argue that migration presents individuals with opportunities to gain advanced skills abroad, which could ultimately benefit Pakistan if they return.
Expatriates like Sheikh Tahir Imran, based in the US, view the brain drain as a short-term setback but believe that working in more advanced environments enables professionals to bring back global expertise and technology. Similarly, British Pakistani Sikandar Salman pointed out that Pakistan still has millions of professionals within the country and questioned why their potential isn’t fully tapped by the government and private sector.
While the debate over brain drain continues, there is hope that in the long run, Pakistan can leverage the global mobility of its workforce and ensure that skilled individuals continue to contribute to both national and international development.
