In the first six months of 2025, nearly 350,000 Pakistanis have left the country in search of better job opportunities and improved living conditions. A large number of these migrants come from the healthcare and technical sectors.
The main reasons behind this wave of migration are low salaries, limited career growth, and concerns about safety. Many doctors, nurses, and skilled professionals are choosing to move abroad, which has left local hospitals short-staffed and public services struggling to cope.
Popular destinations for Pakistani migrants include Gulf countries, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These countries offer higher wages, better working environments, and more stable futures—making them attractive options for people looking to build a better life.
Experts warn that this rising trend is contributing to a serious “brain drain” in Pakistan. With highly trained professionals leaving the country, it becomes harder to maintain quality services, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and engineering.
The government has been urged to take urgent action to address the root causes of migration by improving working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and ensuring job security. Without these steps, experts say the country risks losing more talent in the coming months.
This growing trend highlights the need for long-term planning and investment in human capital to stop skilled workers from leaving and to ensure that essential services in Pakistan do not suffer further.
