Pakistan Is Getting Too Expensive For Its Middle Class – So They’re Leaving
Nov 21, 2024
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Pakistan is witnessing an unprecedented brain drain, with over one million skilled professionals, including doctors and engineers, leaving for better prospects abroad. Rising living costs and a fragile economy are driving this exodus, putting immense pressure on the middle class. As the country grapples with inflation and reliance on IMF loans, talented individuals are torn between patriotism and the need for financial security. The situation raises critical questions about the future of the nation’s workforce and economy.
Rising living costs and inflation are forcing skilled professionals in Pakistan to leave in search of better opportunities abroad.
The exodus of educated workers threatens Pakistan's economic recovery, complicating efforts to stabilize the nation's fragile financial situation.
Deep dives
Economic Hardships Driving Emigration
Rising living costs in Pakistan are pushing many educated individuals to seek opportunities abroad. Asad Ijaz Bhatt, who returned to Pakistan to contribute, found his salary unable to keep pace with inflated prices for essentials like rent and fuel. Faced with escalating expenses, he was compelled to juggle multiple jobs while grappling with declining health and increased responsibilities. His experience reflects a broader trend, with a record outflow of skilled professionals from Pakistan amid a bleak economic landscape.
Inflation and Rising Costs Burden Households
The financial struggles in Pakistan are underscored by soaring inflation rates, which peaked at a historic 38%. High utility costs have become unsustainable, with some families facing electricity bills comparable to their rent. Contributing factors include a depreciating currency, significant taxes on imports, and global commodity price increases, all of which are amplifying financial strain on households. As a result, many citizens are forced into borrowing or scaling back on basic necessities to survive.
Consequences of Brain Drain on Pakistan's Economy
The ongoing exodus of skilled workers poses a serious threat to Pakistan's economic recovery and stability. With a substantial debt burden and the nation's reliance on IMF bailouts, the departure of highly educated professionals exacerbates the challenges of economic revitalization. Current tax increases aimed at meeting IMF demands are further driving talent away, as the government's efforts to balance revenue generation and worker retention face mounting pressure. Pakistan's future hinges on addressing these systemic economic issues while retaining its workforce to foster sustainable growth.
A record number of Pakistanis are leaving at a rapid speed. Among them are some of the country’s top talent including doctors, engineers, accountants and managers. Over the last three years, one million skilled workers like them have left Pakistan.
On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host Rebecca Choong Wilkins talks to Bloomberg’s Pakistan Bureau Chief Faseeh Mangi about what’s behind the severe brain drain in one of the world’s most populous nations, where the immigrants are going, and what it means for the country’s already fragile economy that depends on loans from the International Monetary Fund.