The emigration dream

In recent years, a rather unfortunate trend has gripped Pakistan: an increasing number of its citizens would rather leave the country at the first opportunity. While official data from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment shows a 15 per cent decline in emigration – 727,381 individuals left in 2024 compared to 862,625 the previous year – this drop is far from reassuring. The tragic boat capsizing incident last month, which claimed the lives of dozens of Pakistanis, including two minors, is a good example of the desperation driving many to risk everything for a chance at a better life abroad. This can only be seen as a damning indictment of the state of affairs in Pakistan. The disillusionment is most palpable among skilled professionals, whose departure represents not just a personal choice but a collective loss for the nation. The exodus reflects a failure to provide an environment where people can envision a promising future for themselves and their families.

The roots of this crisis run deep. Pakistan’s economy, already reeling from the aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, suffered further blows from the Ukraine war, domestic political instability, and a series of missteps by successive governments. Election delays, protests, and economic mismanagement have compounded the misery of ordinary citizens. While international organisations project a 3.0 per cent economic growth rate, this statistic is a cruel irony for those forced to forego essentials like medicine just to make ends meet. Yet the grass is not always greener on the other side. Many Pakistanis who move abroad find themselves trapped in exploitative jobs, working long hours under harsh conditions. Their desperation to send money home often leaves them vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse.

The blame for this mass exodus cannot be laid solely at the feet of individuals accused of lacking patriotism. The state’s failure to provide basic amenities has driven people to despair. While other nations continue to innovate and grow despite internal challenges, Pakistan lags woefully behind. The world is not waiting for Pakistan to catch up. Countries that were once in comparable economic positions have surged ahead by focusing on consistent policies and economic reforms. Pakistan’s inability to maintain such focus has left it floundering in a race where the stakes are nothing less than national survival. The government must take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of this crisis. Economic revitalisation, job creation, and the provision of basic services should top the agenda. Investing in human capital and creating opportunities at home can stem the tide of emigration and restore hope among the populace. The people of Pakistan deserve more than survival; they deserve a future. It is time for the country’s leadership to rise to the occasion and ensure that Pakistan is a place where dreams are nurtured, not abandoned. Anything less would be a betrayal of the nation’s potential and its people’s aspirations.