Rizwan Mudassir

The continued outflow of Pakistan’s citizens, from asylum seekers to economic migrants, is a clear signal of mass disillusionment with the state and its failure to provide a better life for its citizens. The European Union Agency for Asylum’s recent Country Focus report on Pakistan, covering the period from October 2023 to October 2024, underscores this troubling trend. According to the report, 28,000 Pakistanis applied for “international protection” in the European Union Plus countries, with only a small fraction—12%—likely to be granted refugee or subsidiary protection. This alarming trend reveals much about the state of Pakistan’s political and economic situation, its human rights record, and the widespread sense of frustration that drives citizens to seek refuge abroad.

At the heart of this mass migration lies a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the country’s inability to meet the basic needs and aspirations of its people. For a nation that is home to one of the world’s youngest populations—over 64% of Pakistanis are under the age of 30, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—the mass exodus represents a severe loss of human capital. This demographic is crucial to shaping the nation’s future, particularly in terms of its economic, technological, and commercial development. The brain drain caused by this outflow of talent threatens to undermine the country’s potential, creating a talent crisis that will have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s growth.

The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reports that in 2022 alone, Pakistan lost 832,339 citizens to migration. In the first five months of 2023, another 315,787 people left the country in search of better opportunities. These statistics paint a clear picture of a nation in crisis—one where citizens no longer see a viable future at home. The government must face the uncomfortable reality that people are leaving not solely due to political asylum or persecution, but primarily for economic reasons. Whether under the guise of seeking better job opportunities or fleeing from economic instability, the desire for a better life is the primary driver of this migration.

This situation presents a pressing challenge for Pakistan’s leadership. The government must recognize that the nation’s principal asset is its youth, and their departure represents a significant loss. Young people are the key to economic progress, technological innovation, and the future growth of the nation. Without their skills, energy, and vision, Pakistan risks falling further behind in a rapidly globalizing world. As such, it is imperative for the state to take immediate steps to address the underlying causes of this exodus and prevent further depletion of the country’s human capital.

One of the primary drivers of this migration is the lack of development and opportunity within Pakistan. Many young Pakistanis are left with limited prospects in a country struggling with economic instability, inadequate infrastructure, and a political system that often appears unable to provide effective governance. The situation is particularly dire in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, where the security situation has deteriorated significantly. The PTA report points out that these provinces are plagued by violence, instability, and human rights violations, contributing to the desperation that drives people to seek a better life elsewhere.

The government’s inability to create a stable environment for its citizens has compounded the problem. As the economy struggles, jobs become increasingly scarce, and the lack of a robust education system leaves many young people ill-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world. In this context, it is no surprise that many see migration as the only viable option. The youth, who should be the driving force behind the country’s development, are instead forced to seek opportunities abroad. This not only deprives Pakistan of its most valuable resource but also weakens the country’s prospects for future economic and technological growth.

The decline in human capital is not just an economic issue; it also has profound social and cultural implications. The migration of so many young people from Pakistan means the country loses a significant portion of its potential workforce. As a result, the remaining population may face difficulties in sustaining the country’s industries and meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. Moreover, the loss of so many young people can create a generational gap in leadership and innovation, further hindering Pakistan’s ability to adapt to global challenges.

To address this issue, the government must shift its focus toward creating an environment that nurtures and retains its young people. This requires significant investments in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Pakistan must prioritize the development of a strong, well-educated workforce capable of competing in the global marketplace. This means not only improving the quality of education but also ensuring that young people have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Furthermore, the government must take bold steps to ensure that the country’s economic policies are conducive to growth and job creation. In particular, there is a need for sectoral reforms aimed at stimulating innovation and encouraging entrepreneurship. Pakistan must embrace technological advancements and develop an ecosystem that fosters creativity and innovation. The country’s future economic success depends on its ability to harness the talents of its young people and provide them with the support they need to succeed in a digital and interconnected world.

At the same time, the government must work to address the social and political issues that have contributed to the sense of disillusionment among the population. The political system must become more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. Human rights violations, particularly in marginalized regions like KP and Balochistan, must be addressed in order to create a sense of security and stability for all citizens. The government must also work to improve its relations with neighboring countries and international organizations to ensure that Pakistan remains an attractive place for investment and economic growth.

It is clear that the continued exodus from Pakistan poses a serious threat to the country’s future. The loss of human capital, particularly among the youth, will have long-term consequences for the country’s economic and technological development. However, this crisis also presents an opportunity for the government to reevaluate its priorities and take bold action to address the root causes of migration. By focusing on education, employment, and sectoral reforms, Pakistan can create an environment where its youth can thrive and build a brighter future for the nation. Home should not be synonymous with despair—it should be a place of opportunity, hope, and progress.