Migration and “Brain Drain” from Pakistan: A Barrier to Sustainable Development

Abstract

Population has been a pivotal element of national power. A well-developed population - human capital - acts as a catalyst to optimize all other resources deployed for sustainable socio-economic development. Pakistan with its over 240 million populations, ranks 5th largest in the world yet its economy is 42nd among the comity of nations (World Bank, 2024). About 64% of the country’s population comprises young people (Dawn, 2024), which is a precious resource in the contemporary world, however, the human resource development in the country is far from satisfactory (UNDP, 2024). With low socio-economic indicators, political instability, and lack of job opportunities, Pakistani youth desires to leave the country at any cost, even at the peril of their lives. The most alarming trend is that the youth is disillusioned and losing hope in the state apparatus to improve the situation. Traditionally, Pakistan has been exporting unskilled and semi-skilled workforce; however, recent trends indicate that highly skilled individuals like engineers, doctors, and professionals are leaving the country in large numbers. Various ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors (Lee, E. S. 1966) are responsible for migration and brain drain from Pakistan. There is an array of multifaceted reasons for people to leave Pakistan in large numbers. ‘Push’ factors include poor governance, deteriorating law & order, lack of social justice, and an unhealthy environment for entrepreneurship. ‘Pull’ factors include greener pastures, equitable return for hard work, and security. This qualitative study adopts interpretivist approach with case study research design to explore the causes and consequences of emigration/brain drain and its impact on achieving Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals - 2030. Primary data has been collected through focus group discussions and semi structured interviews and secondary data has been obtained from review of print and electronic media reports from year 2001 to 2025. Findings were reached through multilayered qualitative data analysis i.e. thematic and discourse analysis. The study suggests that political stability, consistent policies, an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, and rule of law can help foster confidence among the youth and reverse the trend of brain drain.