Brain Drain

Human capital flight, more commonly referred to as "brain drain", is the large-scale emigration of a large group of individuals with technical skills or knowledge. The reasons usually include two aspects which respectively come from countries and individuals. In terms of countries, the reasons may be social environment (in source countries: lack of opportunities, political instability, economic depression, health risks; in host countries: rich opportunities, political stability and freedom, developed economy, better living conditions). In terms of individual reasons, there are family influence (overseas relatives, and personal preference: preference for exploring, ambition for an improved career, etc).

Pakistan has experienced the brain drain since Partition for reasons as varied as political instability to inadequate job opportunities. According to some statistics, up to two-third of Pakistanis want to migrate. The main reason of Brain Drain in Pakistan is due to lack of opportunities, political instability, economic depression, health risks, insecurity purposes and due to some other reasons people prefer to live abroad and live 2nd or 3rd class quality of lifestyle abroad.

The ever-increasing Pakistanis through the migration of skilled labor from Pakistan to industrialized nations in Europe, North America and oil-rich Middle East has contributed to a professional brain drain in the country. In recent years, the uncertain political situation and better job opportunities abroad has allowed many Pakistanis to seek prospective interests outside the country.

While Pakistan is a semi-industrialised country that has not overtly been affected by a brain drain, a continuous emigration of professionals is thought to be an impediment in its long-term economic growth. Each year, thousands of highly qualified doctors, engineers and scientists are said to move abroad, the most visible effect being an overall loss of skilled human resources. Although Pakistani's are playing major role in increasing the Foreign remittances of the country which results in increased GNP. During last five year foreign remittances to Pakistan increased with average annual rate of 22.7 % which is positive sign. The UAE and Saudi Arabia remains the first and second biggest sources of home remittances for Pakistan and United States slipped into third positions.