Skilled Workers Flee Pakistan Amid Economic Strain and Political Uncertainty

Pakistan is witnessing a significant outflow of skilled professionals as thousands of doctors, engineers, accountants, and other trained workers leave the country. Government records highlight a growing trend, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the nation’s economy and development.

Data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment shows that talent migration is no longer confined to low-skilled workers. Over the past two years, more than 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers, and roughly 13,000 accountants have moved abroad in search of stability and better career prospects. In 2024, 727,381 people registered for overseas employment, with an additional 687,246 leaving by November 2025, marking one of the highest waves of skilled migration in recent memory.

The healthcare sector has been particularly affected. Nurse migration, which rose dramatically over the last decade, continued at a high pace in 2025, leaving hospitals in major cities struggling to meet patient demands.

The trend has sparked debate across social media and political forums. Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent comment that overseas migration could be seen as a “brain gain” drew criticism from many citizens, who argue that the departure of trained professionals hampers economic growth and weakens national capacity.

Analysts point to several reasons behind the exodus. Economic pressures, including high inflation and low wages, make long-term prospects uncertain for young professionals. Limited access to advanced research facilities and technology hubs further discourages retention of talent.

Digital disruption has also contributed to the problem. Frequent internet shutdowns and restrictions have hurt the tech sector, with Pakistan reportedly losing over $1.6 billion due to repeated outages. Freelancers and online workers have faced major losses, prompting many to seek opportunities abroad.

As Pakistan continues to grapple with economic and technological challenges, the departure of skilled workers underscores the urgency of policies aimed at retaining talent and strengthening key sectors for national growth.