Pakistan is experiencing a significant increase in outward migration, with nearly 2.9 million citizens leaving the country in search of better opportunities over the past three years.
Islamabad, Pakistan — The nation is witnessing a sharp rise in outward migration, with almost 2.9 million citizens departing the country in the past three years. This trend is primarily driven by low wages, inadequate facilities, and the high cost of private education.
According to official data from the Protectorate of Emigrants, a total of 2,894,645 individuals left Pakistan between 2022 and September 15, 2025. These migrants paid approximately Rs2.66 billion in migration fees during the process, as reported by The Express Tribune.
The migration wave is not limited to unskilled workers; it also includes a significant number of professionals. Among those leaving are doctors, engineers, IT experts, teachers, bankers, accountants, auditors, designers, and architects. Additionally, skilled laborers such as drivers, plumbers, and welders are also part of this exodus. Notably, an increasing number of women are choosing to migrate as well.
Data from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment reveals that Punjab has produced the highest number of migrants since 1981, totaling 7,245,052 individuals. Following Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has sent 3,575,954 migrants, while Sindh accounts for 1,281,495. Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) has seen 813,526 individuals depart. In contrast, the Northern Areas and Balochistan have the lowest numbers, with 30,776 and 813,526 migrants, respectively. Overall, since 1981, a staggering 13,885,816 Pakistanis have emigrated, as cited by The Express Tribune.
A joint assessment conducted by Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) indicates that around 40% of Pakistanis express a desire to leave the country. This statistic underscores the growing disillusionment among citizens, fueled by inflation, unemployment, and ongoing political instability.
The situation is further exacerbated by a rise in illegal migration. Unlawful entries into Europe surged by 280% in the first ten months of 2022, with nearly 8,800 Pakistanis undertaking perilous journeys by the end of 2023. Many of these individuals traveled through countries such as Dubai, Egypt, and Libya, risking their lives in pursuit of better opportunities.
Interest in migration is particularly strong in Balochistan, PoJK, and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), especially in urban centers where economic stress is most acute. Experts warn that the increase in irregular and unsafe migration over the past two years reflects a deepening sense of despair among the population.
As this trend accelerates, Pakistan may face a potential brain drain crisis, losing critical talent and labor that could otherwise contribute to its fragile economy. The implications of this mass exodus could be profound, further complicating the country’s efforts to stabilize and grow economically, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Source: Original article