KARACHI: Pakistan witnessed a staggering 119% increase in brain drain in 2023, casting doubt on government claims of a promising future for the nation.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 reveals that 45,687 highly skilled professionals left Pakistan for employment in 2023, a significant rise from 20,865 in 2022. This exodus highlights the escalating trend of skilled workers seeking opportunities abroad.
The survey also reports that 489,301 laborers migrated from Punjab, 210,150 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 72,382 from Sindh, and 36,609 from tribal areas in 2023. Experts attribute this increase to the economic crisis that began in late 2021, which saw approximately 50% of industrial units partially or completely shut down, resulting in a severe job shortage.
Despite the brain drain, the survey underscores the critical role of Pakistani workers in bolstering the economy through remittances. A significant proportion of Pakistanis are securing employment in Gulf countries, contributing to the national economic landscape.
The Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment and the Overseas Employment Corporation registered 862,625 workers willing to work abroad in 2023, a 4% increase from the previous year.
According to the latest Labor Force Survey 2020-21, Pakistan’s total labor force stands at 71.76 million, with 67.25 million employed and 4.51 million unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 6.3%. The highest unemployment rate of 11.1% is among 15 to 24-year-olds, while the rate for 25 to 34-year-olds is 7.3%.
This data paints a concerning picture of Pakistan’s labor market and underscores the urgent need for economic reforms to retain its skilled workforce
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