Qudsia Bano

Pakistan is facing a growing challenge to its long-term economic prospects as brain drain accelerates, with experts warning that the continuous outflow of skilled professionals is weakening institutional capacity and reducing the country’s growth potential, reports WealthPK.

Recent data shows that 17% to 28% of workers in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan are classified as low-paid, according to the Global Wage Report 2024-25. Exacerbating the problem is Pakistan’s weak performance in global talent retention. The country ranks 105th in the “Retain Pillar” and 119th in “Access to Growth Opportunities” on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023, highlighting a lack of promising career paths and limited access to upward mobility.

Experts identify stagnant wages, high inflation, and limited employment opportunities as the primary drivers behind the migration of skilled workers. Dr. Samina Asad, a labour economist at the National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP), emphasizes that without substantial reforms, Pakistan risks permanently losing a generation of professionals.

According to her, “The current economic structure not only pushes talent out but also fails to create incentives for return. This has long-term implications for innovation, productivity, and institutional development.” A recent survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) found that one in three medical students plans to migrate after graduation, citing a lack of opportunities and a desire for a more respected professional environment abroad.

The trend is particularly alarming given Pakistan’s already low percentage of graduates among its adult population, making each departure a significant loss. While remittances from overseas professionals have provided a cushion to Pakistan’s external finances, economists warn that this short-term gain may come at the cost of long-term productivity. Dr. Faisal Hameed, a senior advisor on diaspora policy, noted that highly skilled migrants were more likely to settle permanently abroad, bringing their families and transferring wealth to their host countries.

“This not only drains talent but also capital from an economy that already faces low investment as a percentage of GDP,” he said. Experts recommend improving domestic opportunities and building structured links with the Pakistani diaspora as a two-pronged approach to address the issue. Investing in education, creating clear career pathways, and ensuring political stability are seen as essential first steps.

At the same time, initiatives to engage the diaspora in knowledge transfer, investment in innovation, and institutional partnerships could turn the brain drain into brain gain. According to policy experts, the real issue lies not only in the migration of professionals but also in the absence of a system to harness their expertise for national development. Without urgent and strategic reforms, Pakistan risks falling further behind in a global economy increasingly driven by knowledge and human capital.

Credit: INP-WealthPk