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From Academia to Emigration: The Growing Trend of Brain Drain in Pakistan

Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly trained or qualified individuals seeking better opportunities abroad, leading to a loss of skilled professionals in their home country. The youth make up 64% of Pakistan’s population. A significant number of educated youth feel compelled to leave for better prospects. Around 67% of young Pakistanis aspire to migrate, and half of them do not plan to return.

This trend is concerning, as 31% of graduates from over 200 universities across Pakistan remain unemployed, and those who do find work often face low salaries, minimal benefits, and poor work-life balance. Thus, this propels them to seek out opportunities elsewhere leading to a loss of skilled professionals in their home country. According to the recently released Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, the number of highly skilled individuals who went abroad for employment increased by 119% from 2022 to 2023.

To combat the growing trend of brain drain, NGOs focus on empowering underprivileged communities through educational programs and skills development initiatives, while also encouraging corporations and institutions to invest in local education initiatives. This encouraged them to create opportunities for the youth, who are the future of our nation.

Al Furqan Welfare Organization recognizes that the gap between education and the job market has to be addressed. We believe providing quality education to be the right of every youth and along with that it is important to guide students regarding skills and career development opportunities. We aim to give our students a competitive edge, ensuring that they have the tools to succeed within Pakistan’s evolving economy. Our goal is to foster a generation of leaders who will choose to stay and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Al Furqan’s work is grounded in the belief that investing in local communities through education is key to reversing this trend. By building schools and supporting underprivileged students in their communities, we are contributing to the development of strong, educated leaders who will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their own communities and beyond. Community outreach programs can lead to development of underdeveloped communities with their right support and educational reach. 

As Pakistani civilians ourselves, we all have a role to play in addressing the systemic issues contributing to brain drain. By supporting Al Furqan, you are investing in Pakistan’s future and helping to combat brain drain.  Together, we can create a future where our children have every reason to stay, contribute, and thrive in their homeland.

Our mission is to nurture the next generation of doctors, engineers, and professionals who will stay and contribute to Pakistan’s development. Join us in our mission to educate, empower, and keep Pakistan’s brightest minds where they belong—helping to build a better tomorrow.