POST-dinner conversations in most urban middle-class households start these days with commentaries on the unstable politics and abysmal economic situation of Pakistan and end with the concern about the youth exodus from Pakistan to the seemingly greener pastures of North America, Europe, Australia and the Gulf. However, before drawing any conclusions, it would be important to take a broader look at the issue.

Firstly, Pakistanis going abroad is not a new phenomenon. Since 1971, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment estimates that over 10 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for employment. Secondly, figures vary from year to year, with no particular trend of a steep rise. In 2022, 800,000 left Pakistan for employment overseas, which is less than the pre-pandemic figure of 946,571 in 2015. Thirdly, accurate numbers of those going abroad are hard to estimate because many avail student visas or permanent residency visas or go abroad through illegal means.

Hence, what is more relevant to the debate are not the numbers but reports that most of those moving abroad these days comprise Pakistan’s youth. PIDE economist Faheem Jahangir Khan says that “67 per cent of Pakistani youngsters want to leave the country”. The trend of brain drain is also being reported by other surveys and analyses.

The youth are Pakistan’s future leaders. At a time when the European and Chinese populations are aging, the youth bulge here is an advantage if they can participate in the development of their own country rather than serving societies abroad. The reality, however, is that students are desperately looking for scholarships to study in the US, Australia, Europe, China and East Asia. Those already in foreign universities are reluctant to return because of joblessness in the country. Talented IT professionals are being lured by West-based companies who offer lucrative terms. Our leadership and intelligentsia, therefore, have a responsibility to identify the reasons for the youth leaving Pakistan, and then make policies that incentivise the youth to work for the country.

Why does the youth want to leave?

A major reason that frustrates our youth is the pervasive unemployment in the country. There are nearly 200 universities in Pakistan many of which award degrees in disciplines for which there are no jobs in the market. Having spent considerable sums on education, not finding a well-paying job is a deeply frustrating experience for a young person. The lucky ones who find jobs are also frustrated because of abysmally low salaries. Sarah Gilani, a start-up professional who worked for many years in Pakistan and now lives and works in Austria, says that the work culture in Pakistan is rigid and leaves little room for a healthy work-life balance, particularly for working women.

Young physicians also want to move abroad for better salaries and access to modern medical technologies. Sameera Rabbani, who graduated from a medical school in Lahore and now lives in Australia, observed that doctors are underpaid, overworked and underappreciated in Pakistan as opposed to the West where they are paid adequately, with a contribution to the retirement fund.

Some professionals like Maheen Ahmad, who teaches at a premier institution in Islamabad, wish to go abroad only to improve educational qualifications. She recognises, though, the growing financial difficulties of salaried professionals and limited job growth prospects in Pakistan.

The second source of frustration for the youth is the deep political polarisation that exists and that is exacerbating the economic crisis. Nearly every family has been affected by this bitter political divide, particularly the youth. The third reason for the youth’s growing disaffection is their aspiration for a life of respect, dignity and prosperity. They want equal opportunities and a level playing field. They are disappointed to find that the system does not work for them, but just for a select few, ie, the elite.

So, what can be done to stem the brain drain? First, the country needs stable politics, a charter of economy that binds political governments to ensure continuity of economic policies, and ease of doing business for investors, traders, and industrialists. Secondly, job creation should be a high priority. Since governments can create only so many jobs, it is industry which can absorb educated and semi-skilled youth. The education system should pivot towards technical education and vocational training to feed industry and the IT sector.

Thirdly, we need an efficient judicial system at all levels. Above all, the country needs a climate of justice, equal opportunity and dignity for every citizen. The National Security Policy announced last year provides a good way forward.

The writer is a former foreign secretary and author of Diplomatic Footprints.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2023