（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
Emigration has been an enduring feature of Pakistan’s social and economic landscape. Over the decades, millions of Pakistanis have left their homeland in search of better livelihoods, quality education, and secure futures. From 1981 to August 2025 alone, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment reports that nearly 13.9 million Pakistanis moved abroad, making Pakistan one of the largest labor-exporting countries in Asia.
The figures reveal clear regional patterns. Punjab has historically contributed the largest share, sending over 7.2 million emigrants, followed by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (3.5 million), Sindh (1.2 million), and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (813,526). Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan remain at the lower end of this trend, although surveys suggest a high percentage of youth there now express a strong desire to leave.
The migrants are not limited to one class or profession. They include doctors, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, bankers, accountants, auditors, architects, and designers, as well as skilled workers like welders, plumbers, and drivers. Increasingly, women are also joining this exodus. The age groups most represented are between 20 and 40 years—a prime working age when energy, creativity, and ambition are at their peak.
This trend is both a blessing and a challenge for Pakistan.
The Blessings of Migration
At the macro level, migration has been a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy. Remittances from overseas Pakistanis consistently remain one of the largest sources of foreign exchange, often surpassing exports. Families across the country sustain themselves through the earnings of sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters abroad. Towns in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and AJK have been transformed with new homes, schools, and businesses funded by remittances.
Migration also brings intangible benefits. Exposure to advanced industries, professional environments, and international cultures broadens the skills and perspectives of Pakistani workers. IT professionals in Silicon Valley, doctors in the Gulf and the UK, or engineers in Europe are not only contributing to their host societies but also building valuable networks that Pakistan can tap into.
A notable change from the past is the profile of emigrants. Earlier, the bulk of Pakistanis going abroad were unskilled or semi-skilled workers, often doing menial jobs in the Middle East. While their hard work supported families, it sometimes carried the unfortunate consequence of reinforcing stereotypes of Pakistan as a supplier of cheap labor. Today, however, an increasing number of highly qualified professionals are moving abroad—people whose competence and conduct can significantly enhance Pakistan’s image. A Pakistani doctor leading a hospital department in Saudi Arabia, an IT specialist excelling in Canada, or a teacher shaping young minds in the UK reflects a very different face of Pakistan—one that is competent, modern, and globally connected.
The Challenge of Brain Drain
While migration brings benefits, it also poses a serious challenge: the loss of talent at home. Pakistan invests heavily in its youth—universities, professional colleges, and training institutions strive to prepare them for a future of leadership. Yet, many of the brightest minds leave the country at their first opportunity.
The consequences are evident. Hospitals in smaller towns lack qualified doctors. Universities struggle to retain experienced faculty. Industries complain of a shortage of skilled engineers and technicians. The education system loses capable teachers, and the financial sector sees a steady flow of talent abroad.
A report by Denmark’s Foreign Ministry and the International Organization for Migration suggests that 40% of Pakistanis express a desire to emigrate. If such a trend accelerates, Pakistan risks a hollowing out of its human capital—particularly at a time when the country’s population is young, ambitious, and energetic.
Economic difficulties, political instability, unemployment, terrorism, and inflation are among the key drivers of this trend. Young people in Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, in particular, express the highest inclination to leave, often frustrated by limited opportunities at home. Cities are more affected than rural areas, as urban youth are better educated but also more exposed to global opportunities and comparisons.
Illegal migration is another worrying element. The 280% surge in irregular attempts to reach Europe in 2022-23 shows how desperation can push young men into dangerous journeys through Dubai, Egypt, or Libya. Many perish on the way, while others fall prey to smugglers and exploitation. This reflects poorly on the country and points to the urgency of providing structured, legal, and dignified avenues for young Pakistanis.
A Balanced Perspective: Migration as Opportunity, Not Loss
It would be unfair to paint migration only as a loss. The truth lies somewhere in between. In an interconnected world, mobility is natural. No nation can or should prevent its people from exploring opportunities abroad. What matters is how migration is managed and how emigrants remain connected to their roots.
Highly qualified professionals can become Pakistan’s best ambassadors abroad. A skilled doctor saving lives in the Middle East, an IT entrepreneur building startups in Europe, or a teacher shaping generations in Canada does not abandon Pakistan. They carry their identity proudly and can project a better image of the nation. Through professional excellence, civic conduct, and cultural engagement, they can show the world that Pakistanis are resourceful, hardworking, and responsible global citizens.
The diaspora also offers immense potential for technology transfer, business partnerships, and knowledge-sharing. Countries like India and China have harnessed their overseas communities to attract investment, build industries, and upgrade skills at home. Pakistan can do the same if it develops stronger institutional links with its expatriates.
A Strategy for Retention and Engagement
The bigger question is how to retain talent within Pakistan while also making the best use of those who choose to leave. The following broad strategy may serve as a way forward:
Creating Opportunities at Home
The primary reason young people leave is a lack of opportunity. If Pakistan can provide stable employment, transparent governance, and a secure environment, many would prefer to stay close to their families. Investment in industries such as IT, renewable energy, agriculture technology, tourism, and manufacturing could create thousands of new jobs for educated youth.
Making Education Market-Oriented
Many Pakistani graduates feel their degrees have little relevance to the job market. Universities need to align curricula with the needs of modern industries, focusing on digital skills, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and global finance. Linking education with internships and apprenticeships in industries can reduce the skills gap.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
Not all young people need salaried jobs. With small seed funding, mentorship, and access to credit, many can create their own startups. The IT sector in particular offers huge potential. Pakistani freelancers are already among the top five in the world. With better infrastructure and global linkages, they could earn billions in foreign exchange while working from home.
Building Bridges with the Diaspora
For those who do leave, Pakistan should remain a permanent partner. Structured diaspora networks, knowledge-sharing platforms, and investment facilitation channels can help overseas Pakistanis contribute back. They can invest in businesses, mentor young professionals, and open markets for Pakistani products.
Promoting Positive Narratives
Every Pakistani abroad represents the nation. Encouraging them to uphold professionalism, civic responsibility, and ethical behavior can reshape global perceptions. Instead of being seen as unskilled laborers, Pakistanis abroad should be seen as doctors, innovators, scientists, and thought leaders.
Incentivizing Return Migration
Special programs offering tax benefits, research grants, and business facilitation can attract skilled expatriates to return after gaining experience abroad. Even temporary return programs—where experts spend a few months a year in Pakistan—can significantly benefit local institutions.
A Message to the Youth
To Pakistan’s young professionals, the message is simple: if you choose to stay, your contribution to building a better Pakistan is invaluable. If you choose to go, carry your country with you. Remember that you are not just building your personal career—you are also projecting Pakistan’s image to the world. The discipline, ethics, and excellence you display abroad will shape how people see your homeland.
At the same time, technology today allows you to contribute from anywhere. A Pakistani IT professional in Toronto can mentor startups in Lahore. A Pakistani doctor in Riyadh can help upgrade medical protocols in Karachi. A teacher in London can guide schools in Quetta. Borders no longer limit the ways one can serve their nation.
Migration is not a curse. It is a reality of the modern world. For Pakistan, the task is to manage it wisely—turning challenges into opportunities. Remittances, international exposure, and professional excellence abroad are blessings, but the risk of brain drain cannot be ignored. A balanced approach that retains talent at home, engages those abroad, and values both equally is the way forward.
Pakistan’s youth are its greatest asset. Whether at home or abroad, their role is vital in shaping a brighter future. Let them dream, let them explore, but also let them remember: their country needs them, and they carry its image wherever they go.
巴基斯坦的移民困境：一个失去与机会的故事
移民一直是巴基斯坦社会和经济格局的一个持久特征。几十年来，数以百万计的巴基斯坦人离开家园，寻求更好的生计、优质的教育和安全的未来。据移民与海外就业局报告，仅从1981年到2025年8月，就有近1390万巴基斯坦人移居国外，使巴基斯坦成为亚洲最大的劳动力出口国之一。
这些数字揭示了明显的区域格局。旁遮普历史上贡献了最大的份额，发送了超过720万移民，其次是开伯尔-普赫图赫瓦省（350万），信德省（120万）和阿扎德查谟和克什米尔（813,526）。俾路支省和吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦仍然处于这一趋势的低端，尽管调查显示，那里有很高比例的年轻人现在表达了离开的强烈愿望。
移民并不局限于一个阶级或职业。他们包括医生、工程师、IT专家、教师、银行家、会计师、审计员、建筑师和设计师，以及熟练工人，如焊工、水管工和司机。越来越多的女性也加入了这一大军。最具代表性的年龄组是20岁至40岁之间的人，这是精力、创造力和抱负达到顶峰的最佳工作年龄。
这一趋势对巴基斯坦来说既是一种祝福，也是一种挑战。
移民的好处
在宏观层面上，移民一直是巴基斯坦经济的生命线。海外巴基斯坦人的汇款一直是最大的外汇来源之一，经常超过出口。全国各地的家庭都靠在国外的儿子、女儿、兄弟姐妹的收入维持生活。旁遮普省、开伯尔-普赫图赫瓦省和AJK的城镇已经发生了翻天覆地的变化，新的住房、学校和企业都是由汇款资助的。
移民也带来了无形的好处。接触先进的工业、专业环境和国际文化拓宽了巴基斯坦工人的技能和视野。硅谷的IT专业人士、海湾地区和英国的医生，或者欧洲的工程师，不仅在为东道国社会做出贡献，而且还在构建巴基斯坦可以利用的宝贵网络。
与过去相比，一个显著的变化是移民的形象。早些时候，大部分出国的巴基斯坦人都是非熟练或半熟练的工人，通常在中东做卑微的工作。虽然他们的辛勤工作支撑着家庭，但有时也带来了不幸的后果，即强化了人们对巴基斯坦是廉价劳动力供应国的刻板印象。然而，今天，越来越多的高素质专业人士移居国外，他们的能力和行为可以显著提升巴基斯坦的形象。一位在沙特阿拉伯领导医院部门的巴基斯坦医生，一位在加拿大出类拔萃的IT专家，或者一位在英国塑造年轻人思想的教师，反映了巴基斯坦非常不同的一面——一个有能力的、现代化的、与全球联系的巴基斯坦。
人才流失的挑战
移民带来好处的同时，也带来了严峻的挑战：国内人才的流失。巴基斯坦在青年大学、专业学院和培训机构上投入巨资，努力让他们为未来的领导能力做好准备。然而，许多最聪明的人才一有机会就离开了这个国家。
后果是显而易见的。小城镇的医院缺乏合格的医生。大学很难留住有经验的教师。工业界抱怨缺乏熟练的工程师和技术人员。教育系统失去了有能力的教师，金融部门看到了海外人才的稳定流动。
丹麦外交部和国际移民组织的一份报告显示，40%的巴基斯坦人表达了移民的愿望。如果这种趋势加速发展，巴基斯坦将面临人力资本空心化的风险——尤其是在这个国家的人口年轻、有抱负、充满活力的时候。
经济困难、政治不稳定、失业、恐怖主义和通货膨胀是这一趋势的主要驱动因素。特别是俾路支省、印控克什米尔和吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦的年轻人，他们最倾向于离开，因为他们常常对国内有限的机会感到沮丧。城市受到的影响比农村地区更大，因为城市青年受教育程度更高，但也更容易接触到全球机会和比较。
非法移民是另一个令人担忧的因素。2022年至2013年期间，非法偷渡欧洲的人数激增了280%，这表明绝望会让年轻人走上穿越迪拜、埃及或利比亚的危险旅程。许多人在途中死亡，而其他人则成为走私者和剥削的牺牲品。这反映了这个国家的糟糕状况，并指出了为巴基斯坦年轻人提供结构化、合法和有尊严的途径的紧迫性。
平衡的观点：移民是机会，而不是损失
把移民仅仅描绘成一种损失是不公平的。真相介于两者之间。在一个相互联系的世界里，流动性是很自然的。任何国家都不能也不应该阻止本国人民到国外寻找机会。重要的是如何管理移民，以及移民如何与他们的根源保持联系。
高素质的专业人士可以成为巴基斯坦最好的海外大使。一位在中东拯救生命的熟练医生，一位在欧洲建立创业公司的IT企业家，或者一位在加拿大塑造几代人的教师，都不会放弃巴基斯坦。他们自豪地保持着自己的身份，可以更好地展示国家形象。通过专业卓越、公民行为和文化参与，他们可以向世界展示巴基斯坦人是足智多谋、勤奋工作和负责任的全球公民。
侨民也为技术转让、商业伙伴关系和知识共享提供了巨大的潜力。像印度和中国这样的国家已经利用他们的海外社区来吸引投资，建设工业，并在国内提升技能。如果巴基斯坦与海外侨民建立更牢固的制度联系，它也能做到这一点。
留存率和粘性策略
更大的问题是如何将人才留在巴基斯坦，同时充分利用那些选择离开的人。以下广泛的战略可作为前进的途径：
在家创造机会
年轻人离开的主要原因是缺乏机会。如果巴基斯坦能够提供稳定的就业、透明的治理和安全的环境，许多人会更愿意与家人呆在一起。对信息技术、可再生能源、农业技术、旅游业和制造业等行业的投资可以为受过教育的年轻人创造数千个新的就业机会。
教育市场化
许多巴基斯坦毕业生认为，他们的学位与就业市场没什么关系。大学需要将课程设置与现代产业的需求结合起来，重点关注数字技能、人工智能、可再生能源、生物技术和全球金融。将教育与行业实习和学徒联系起来可以缩小技能差距。
鼓励创业
并不是所有的年轻人都需要带薪工作。有了小额种子基金、指导和信贷，许多人可以创建自己的创业公司。尤其是信息技术行业，潜力巨大。巴基斯坦的自由职业者已经跻身世界前五。有了更好的基础设施和全球联系，他们可以在在家工作的同时赚取数十亿美元的外汇。
与海外侨民建立桥梁
对于那些离开的人，巴基斯坦应该继续作为永久合作伙伴。结构化的侨民网络、知识共享平台和投资便利化渠道可以帮助海外巴基斯坦人做出回报。他们可以投资企业，指导年轻专业人士，为巴基斯坦产品打开市场。
促进积极叙事
每个在国外的巴基斯坦人都代表着这个国家。鼓励他们坚持专业精神、公民责任和道德行为，可以重塑全球观念。海外的巴基斯坦人不应被视为无技能的劳工，而应被视为医生、创新者、科学家和思想领袖。
鼓励返乡移民
提供税收优惠、研究资助和商业便利的特殊项目可以吸引有技术的外籍人士在国外积累经验后回国。即使是专家每年在巴基斯坦呆上几个月的临时回国计划，也能给当地机构带来巨大的好处。
致青年的信
对巴基斯坦的年轻专业人士来说，这句话很简单：如果你选择留下来，你对建设一个更美好的巴基斯坦的贡献是无价的。如果你选择离开，请带上你的国家。请记住，你们不仅仅是在建立自己的个人事业——你们也是在向世界展示巴基斯坦的形象。你们在国外表现出的纪律、道德和卓越将影响人们对你们祖国的看法。
与此同时，今天的技术允许你在任何地方做出贡献。一位在多伦多的巴基斯坦IT专业人士可以指导拉合尔的创业公司。利雅得的一名巴基斯坦医生可以帮助改善卡拉奇的医疗协议。伦敦的老师可以指导奎达的学校。国界不再限制人们为国家服务的方式。
移民不是诅咒。这是现代世界的现实。对巴基斯坦来说，其任务是明智地加以管理——将挑战转化为机遇。汇款、国际接触和在国外的卓越专业水平是一件好事，但人才流失的风险也不容忽视。一种平衡的方法是在国内留住人才，在国外吸引人才，并对两者一视同仁。
巴基斯坦的年轻人是其最大的财富。无论是在国内还是在国外，他们的作用对于塑造更光明的未来至关重要。让他们梦想，让他们探索，但也让他们记住：他们的国家需要他们，他们走到哪里都带着国家的形象。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://thinktank.pk/2025/09/18/pakistans-emigration-dilemma-a-story-of-loss-opportunity/;