More than 1.871 million highly educated and professional individuals left Pakistan for foreign countries during the past three years, according to a written response presented in the National Assembly.  Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain presented the written response during Question Hour, revealing data on Pakistanis who went abroad. According to the available information, those who left included doctors, engineers, IT professionals, academics, and skilled and professional workers from other fields.

The documents presented in the National Assembly were also shared by journalist Azzaz Syed. Commenting on the occasion, he said Pakistan had no shortage of talent; the real issue was the provision of better opportunities. Following the release of the figures, the migration of highly educated people abroad and its potential effects on the country’s economy, health, education and other key sectors have become subjects of significant debate.

Experts say that providing better employment opportunities, professional development, suitable compensation and a favourable environment is essential to preventing the large-scale migration of educated and skilled people abroad. However, it is also important for the different reasons and sector-wise details of the individuals included in these figures to emerge.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)