According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, about 727,000 have left Pakistan in search of employment opportunities in 2024.
In terms of human capital migration, Pakistan ranks sixth globally and third in South Asia (followed by Bangladesh and India).
Immigrate Fast: Understanding Complexities of Pakistani Youth. Pakistan is a country where the majority of the population is young. In terms of numbers, about 64 percent of the population is young which is under the age of thirty. This young generation can play a great role in the development of Pakistan. But is the government giving these youth this opportunity or can they play their role in the development of this country? If yes, then why does our young generation want to leave the country? It is concerning as over 700,000 people left Pakistan in 2024 alone. We review the issue and share what are the actual causes.
1. Joblessness
In 2024, youth unemployment worldwide hovered around 12.4%, according to the International Labor Organization’s World Employment and Social Outlook. In Pakistan, youth unemployment among both genders was 10.6%, despite a record-low global unemployment rate of 5%. This points to serious structural problems for this group. Given that approximately 64% of Pakistan’s 240 million people are under 30, the country’s demographic boom emphasizes how urgent it is to address this issue.
2. Education & Career Frustrations
The sharp rise in graduate unemployment over the past 20 years is one of the main causes of this migration of highly qualified people. When the University Grant Commission changed its name to the Higher Education Commission in 2002, there was a significant increase in graduate unemployment. Modernizing universities and facilitating access to higher education were the goals. In just 20 years, the number of universities rose from 54 to 233. Higher education saw an average growth rate of 18.5%, while primary education saw only a 3% growth rate. Still, QS Rankings 2025 show that there is no single Pakistani University in top 350 Universities across the world.
Even after graduating from prestigious universities, many Pakistani students must deal with the harsh reality that their degrees frequently do not lead to fulfilling careers. Systemic corruption, nepotism, and favoritism are in the market and undermine public confidence in the system. Think about the situation of a gold medalist, for example, whose academic success does not lead to a respectable job because opportunities are given to less worthy applicants through bribery or recommendations. Talented people are deterred by this lack of a merit system and grow frustrated with their nation’s capacity to support their goals.
3. Political Instability
Due to the lack of stability in the political situation in Pakistan, there is a lot of frustration among the youth of Pakistan due to the lack of social unity, economic growth, and the rule of law, which is why young people prefer to leave the country. A instability in politics showed is the result of weak political culture, ineffective political parties, and unstable governance. Political instability has come to be a significant issue, particularly for developing countries.
4. Life Quality
Quality of life matters and it is very important for a peaceful society. This factor also plays a role in the youth going abroad. Be it electricity and gas load shedding, water problem or poor infrastructure in Pakistan. All these things play a very strong role. The desire for a better environment, free from all these issues, has taken root in the minds of the youth. And when they don’t find these things in Pakistan, they look abroad.
5. Higher salaries & social freedom
The fact that jobs abroad offer better salaries than those in Pakistan has also motivated the youth, as salaries are significantly higher abroad. Even similar jobs abroad offer significantly better pay, benefits, and stability. Many young Pakistanis are pursuing educational and professional opportunities abroad because they hope for a more stable and secure future and because they hope to gain valuable international exposure.
Immigrate Fast: Understanding Complexities of Pakistani Youth
In conclusion a toxic combination of economic instability, a lack of opportunities, insecurity, a declining standard of living, and strong international pull factors is driving young Pakistanis to choose to immigrate. However, by reducing Pakistan’s talent pool, this trend creates a threat to the country’s future. A well-thought-out, multiple approach that prioritizes infrastructure, governance, economic reform, and high-quality education can help stop this trend and protect its priceless youth resource.
