• These airport detentions suggest that those in authority recognize the symbolic weight of this outward migration. They understand that these departures represent a collective verdict, one that cannot be ignored or erased

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden 

For many years in Pakistan, public discourse has frequently focused on the belief that electoral processes are compromised. Allegations of manipulation, interference, and pre-determined outcomes have led a significant portion of the citizenry to conclude that their vote carries little weight. According to this widely held view, the powerful decide who will govern, and the formal electoral exercise functions more as a ritual than a reflection of the people’s will. As a result, the system continues to stagnate, unable to evolve in a way that restores trust or offers a clear sense of national direction.

Amid this landscape of frustration, a parallel and far more consequential phenomenon is unfolding, one that speaks to a deeper crisis of legitimacy. A growing number of young citizens are leaving the country in search of better economic prospects, personal security, and opportunities unavailable at home. Many do so not merely to improve their own lives but to support the families they leave behind. This migration of skilled and energetic youth reflects an erosion of hope in the country’s governance and institutions.

More recently, however, troubling reports have emerged of young individuals being stopped at airports, interrogated without clear justification, or even prevented from exiting the country. These developments raise serious concerns about the state’s nervousness regarding a trend it cannot control and a message it cannot silence.

What is becoming increasingly evident is that the departure of the country’s youth is not only a socio-economic phenomenon; it is becoming a profound political statement, arguably the most powerful one in the nation today.

A Vote beyond Ballot Papers

When citizens believe that their votes will be manipulated or dismissed, democratic participation weakens. Over time, this disillusionment transforms into disengagement, and disengagement transforms into withdrawal. But in the country, this withdrawal has taken on a new and striking form: it is no longer confined to boycotting elections or losing faith in political parties. Instead, it is expressed through the decision to leave.

Every young person who boards a plane with the intention of starting anew abroad is casting, in effect, a vote of no-confidence in the system. This vote does not depend on ballot boxes, counting procedures, or electoral administrators. It does not require political rallies or party manifestos. It is delivered silently through a passport, a visa application, and a suitcase filled with the minimal belongings of someone seeking a future elsewhere.

While political votes can be influenced, delayed, or even altered, this new kind of vote cannot. It is irreversible. It does not return home by evening. It does not get recounted. It cannot be tampered with. It is, in every sense, an open ballot against the system.

This is what makes it powerful and what makes it frightening for those accustomed to shaping political outcomes.

A System That Fears Its Own People

The recent attempts to stop young citizens from leaving the country raise an important question: what motivates such restrictions? None of the individuals being detained are political agitators or national security risks. Most are students, skilled workers, or young professionals. Their intention is simple: to build a life that the country has consistently failed to provide.

These airport detentions suggest that those in authority recognize the symbolic weight of this outward migration. They understand that these departures represent a collective verdict, one that cannot be ignored or erased. If traditional elections can be shaped by power, this silent referendum cannot. And because it cannot be controlled, it is feared.

The irony is striking. When the electorate votes against the ruling elite, some accuse them of manipulating the ballot. Yet when citizens vote with their feet, leaving the country altogether, that vote is also being resisted. By trying to prevent young people from exiting, the state appears to be attempting to block a form of political expression it cannot otherwise manage, a democratic expression far more genuine than the ballot papers over which such controversy persists.

The Tragedy of Unheard Youth

The country’s youth leave not because they lack affection for their homeland but because they lack faith in its governance. They depart because the system has failed to provide security, reliable institutions, economic stability, or a credible promise of progress. The absence of meritocracy discourages ambition. The lack of opportunities fuels desperation. The feeling that decisions are controlled by a select few, regardless of public sentiment, creates a sense of suffocation.

For many families, the departure of a young member is an emotional rupture. It is not a triumph but a necessity. Parents part with their children not out of pride but out of fear, fear that if they stay, their potential will be wasted, their struggles will intensify, and their futures will remain uncertain. A society in which departure becomes the primary aspiration is a society in deep distress.

Every migration flight is a reminder of what could not be achieved within the borders of the country.

A Referendum the State Cannot Win

Mass youth migration exposes truths that official narratives cannot conceal. It highlights the weaknesses of governance, the collapse of public trust, and the failure of development promises. It reveals that the most important demographic, the future workforce, innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals, sees no stake in the country’s trajectory.

In this sense, youth migration has evolved into a silent but unmistakable referendum on the nation’s ruling structures. And unlike conventional elections, this referendum is ongoing. It does not occur once every five years. It takes place every day at airports, consulates, and immigration counters.

Every departure is a ballot cast.

Every empty classroom seat is a tally in the count.

Every family divided across continents is a vote recorded in this silent election.

This is a contest the state cannot manipulate, cannot delay, and cannot overturn.

Conclusion: A Vote That Demands Reflection, Not Repression

Blocking the departure of young citizens will not solve the problem. It will only expose the depth of the crisis and amplify the perception that the authorities fear the judgment of their own people. Instead of resisting this exodus, the country’s leadership must confront the reasons behind it. They must acknowledge that young people are not simply leaving; they are expressing a powerful, collective decision about the nation’s current direction.

The silent referendum unfolding today is not one of rebellion but of resignation. It is a plea for change, for opportunity, and for dignity. If the country fails to respond, the ballot of departure will continue, and the nation will find itself depleted of the very individuals it needs most to rebuild.

The message is clear:

When formal votes lose meaning, people invent new ways to vote.

And today, the youth of the country are voting with their feet.

This is the election that cannot be rigged, and the results are already visible.

Read: Hold Up A Mirror, Not Accusations

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Brain Drain: A Silent Referendum first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• The rise of reverse brain drain and the changing nature of work show that the flow of talent can be a dynamic, two-way exchange

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

In an interconnected world, the movement of people is a constant. While globalization has opened up incredible opportunities, it has also amplified a complex and often troubling trend: brain drain. This term, first coined in the 1960s, refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from their home countries to other, usually more developed, nations. It’s a phenomenon that has long been a source of anxiety for developing nations, which see their best and brightest minds depart, taking with them the very expertise needed for growth and progress. The question on many people’s minds is, why are so many young people choosing to leave, and is this outflow of talent a challenge with no solution?

The Allure of the West: Why Young People Leave

The decision to leave one’s home country is rarely made on a whim. It is a complex choice driven by a mix of powerful push and pull factors.

Push Factors: The Challenges at Home

For many young professionals, their home country simply doesn’t offer the fertile ground needed for their ambitions to flourish. The reasons they are pushed to leave are often systemic:

• Limited Opportunities and Stagnant Wages: Many developing economies lack a diverse range of high-level jobs, and those that exist often come with salaries that don’t match the skills of the graduates. A talented engineer or doctor may find their career progression severely limited and their salary unable to provide a high quality of life.
• Political and Economic Instability: Widespread corruption, political uncertainty, and unstable economies can make it difficult to plan for the future. Young people may feel that their hard work and qualifications won’t be rewarded in an unpredictable system.
• Lack of Advanced Education and Research: For those in academia or specialized fields like biotechnology, robotics, or artificial intelligence, access to cutting-edge research facilities and top-tier graduate programs is crucial. When these resources are absent or underfunded, aspiring innovators have no choice but to look abroad.
• A Desire for a Better Quality of Life: Beyond career and money, many young people seek a safe and secure environment with better public services, infrastructure, and a more inclusive social climate.

Pull Factors: The Promise of Developed Nations

While challenges at home push people away, the powerful magnet of developed countries pulls them in.

• Lucrative Job Prospects and Higher Salaries: Developed nations, particularly in North America and Europe, offer a wealth of opportunities in high-growth industries. The promise of a significantly higher income and a more comfortable lifestyle is a primary motivator.
• Innovation and Technology Hubs: Countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan are global leaders in technology and research. This provides a dynamic environment where young professionals can work on groundbreaking projects, collaborate with leading experts, and see their ideas come to fruition.
• Social and Political Stability: A stable government, robust legal systems, and respect for basic rights are major attractions. They provide a sense of security and fairness that is often missing in a professional’s home country.
• Access to Top Education: Many developed nations have world-class universities and research institutions, which serve as a major gateway for international students who often decide to stay after graduation.

Is the “Brain Drain” Concept Real? A Global Reality Check

The term “brain drain” is not just a buzzword; it’s a very real and persistent global trend. Data from organizations like the World Bank and the OECD show a clear pattern of skilled migration. India, Pakistan, China, and several countries in Africa and Latin America have seen a significant portion of their highly educated workforce leave. This exodus has a tangible impact, leading to a shortage of doctors, engineers, and scientists in their home countries.

However, the concept is more nuanced than it appears. It’s not just a one-way street of talent leaving. Some researchers argue that this migration can also lead to a “brain gain” for the home country. Migrants who leave often send remittances back home, which can boost the local economy. They also build international networks that can facilitate trade and investment.

The most exciting and hopeful part of this evolving story is a concept known as reverse brain drain.

A New Hope: The Rise of “Reverse Brain Drain”

Reverse brain drain is the flow of skilled professionals back to their home countries. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common and is changing the global talent landscape. Several factors are driving this return:

• Patriotism and a Desire to Give Back: Many professionals who have gained valuable experience abroad feel a deep sense of responsibility to use their skills to help their home country. They want to contribute to its development and build a better future for their communities.
• Growing Opportunities at Home: As countries like India, China, and Brazil experience rapid economic growth, new industries are emerging, creating high-tech hubs and competitive job markets. The allure of Silicon Valley or London is starting to be matched by the opportunities in cities like Bangalore or Shanghai.
• Personal and Cultural Factors: The desire to be closer to family, friends, and their cultural roots is a powerful motivator. For many, the social and cultural challenges of living abroad can outweigh the professional benefits.
• The Age of Remote Work: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a massive shift to remote work, allowing professionals to work for a company in a developed country from their home in a developing one. This has effectively eliminated the need to choose between a high-paying job and living in their home country.

From Drain to Gain? A Shifting Paradigm

Ultimately, the brain drain phenomenon is a complex story with no simple answers. It is a challenge that demands a strategic response from governments and institutions in developing countries. They must work to create environments where their citizens not only want to stay but are also inspired to return. This includes investing in education, creating a culture of innovation, ensuring political stability, and building modern infrastructure.

While the brain drain is a reality, it is no longer the one-way street it once was. The rise of reverse brain drain and the changing nature of work show that the flow of talent can be a dynamic, two-way exchange. The brightest minds may leave to learn and grow, but they are also increasingly willing to return and share their knowledge. The greatest lesson is that a country’s future is not determined by how many people leave, but by its ability to create a place worth coming home to.

Read: Grace in Action, Love in Return

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Brain Drain: The Global Talent Exodus first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Mujtaba Rehman| Swabi KPK               

Education is the most important and powerful tool in this modern century. Education is not just about reading textbooks but it is the learning of skills, good behavior, being respectful in the society which we can achieve through books and applying their lessons in our practical life.

One can adopt to the world through knowledge and knowledge comes from education, a necessity in this modern century. But nowadays many teenagers in developing countries like Pakistan view education as a waste of time and money. Students lost their interest in pursuing education believing their degree offers little chances of progress.

In Pakistan the number of enrolled students in higher education institutions fell by 13 percent, dropping to 1.94 million in 2023 and continues dropping in 2025.

The reasons for the lack of interest in education in Pakistan are i) lack of opportunities ii) expensive education iii) lack of parental support iv) poor teaching quality and many more.

People in Pakistan associate education with money. They don’t learn for social awareness (or) for knowledge, they learn solely to make money. They think that after completing degree they are capable of earning a lot of money which is not even possible. I think that is the main reason why students are losing interest in education.

Another reason is lack of jobs. Pakistani Government is not capable of providing jobs to each and every one. That’s why students lost interest in education because they think their degree is just a piece of paper which cannot offer them progress.

Third reason is that private education is very costly and people are not able to afford it so it’s also a reason of students losing interest in education because they can’t take admissions in best universities.

The question is how can we rebuild interests of students in education? For this purpose firstly we have to create opportunities for students. Government must bring foreign companies to Pakistan which will be helpful in creating jobs for students and also in building economy.

Secondly Government must provide free education which is the right of everyone according to Article 25A and Article 37c.

Thirdly Government have to support students by giving them laptops, Scholarships etc.

In the end I have to say that if the government didn’t take the right step in gaining interest of students in education the situation must be around the corner when the students leave the country and the classrooms will be empty.

Read: Education, the Path to Freedom

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The post Losing Hope, Leaving the Homeland first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Astana

One in five citizens of Kazakhstan (21%) are considering leaving the country, according to a survey conducted by the Demoscope Bureau of Express Monitoring, supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and in collaboration with the Paperlab Research Center, reports Kursiv.kz.

Read: Over 1 million ethnic Kazakhs return to homeland since Kazakhstan’s independence

Of these, 6.9% plan to leave in the next two to three years, 5.6% intend to move but do not yet have the opportunity, and 8.4% are open to the idea under certain circumstances. The survey reveals that the desire to migrate is most prevalent among young people and those of middle age. Among those aged 18 to 29, about 25% are contemplating relocation, while nearly 30% of people in their 30s share the same thought. Notably, 10.7% of the latter group are determined to move in the near future.

Read: Causes and Consequences of Kazakhstan’s Brain Drain

The majority of respondents (83.7%) were born in Kazakhstan, with 9.3% having lived in the country for over 20 years. The primary reasons for contemplating emigration include the pursuit of a higher salary (24.5%), lack of prospects for themselves and their children (23.9%), and the desire to find better job opportunities (14%). Younger individuals are typically motivated by the desire to obtain quality education and personal development opportunities, whereas older age groups more often cite a lack of prospects for themselves and their children.

Read: Low wages push young Kazakhstanis to consider moving abroad

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on December 5, 2024)

The post Every fifth Kazakhstani thinking about moving out of country first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

The phenomenon of “brain drain,” where a significant number of young individuals seek employment opportunities abroad, has been a persistent issue in recent years. Over the past five years, a staggering 2.75 million young people have left our country, as reported by official data. Experts attribute this brain drain to uncertain economic conditions, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates. Notably, this phenomenon is not confined to a specific region; it affects the entire country. According to official documents, during the tenure of the previous coalition government, more than 1.2 million young people have gone overseas in search of employment. In the first half of this year alone, over 832,000 people have ventured abroad, with more than 400,000 seeking employment in 40 different sectors. Among these migrants are highly educated and highly trained young individuals.

During the last year and a half, 683,000 youths left the country from Punjab, 324,000 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 90,000 from Sindh, and 12,000 from Balochistan

A closer look at the data reveals that those who left the country in the last year and a half included 11,000 accountants, 11,000 engineers, 4,000 doctors, 34,000 technicians, and 37,500 managers. Others include 4,000 nurses, 1,560 teachers, 29,000 electricians, 13,445 computer typists, 8,000 agricultural experts, 15,000 computer operators, 24,000 supervisors, and over 1,600 draftsmen. In their pursuit of better employment opportunities, the majority of Pakistani youth have chosen to go to Arab countries, with 700,000 heading to Saudi Arabia, 229,000 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 111,000 to Oman, and 90,000 to Qatar. Beyond the Middle Eastern region, approximately 8,000 Pakistanis have migrated to Great Britain, over 1,300 to the United States, more than 20,000 to Malaysia, 3,000 to Greece, and over 6,000 to Romania.

The statistics further reveal that during the last year and a half, 683,000 youths left the country from Punjab, 324,000 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 90,000 from Sindh, 12,000 from Balochistan, 44,000 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and 11,000 from Islamabad. Official data indicates that 382,000 individuals left the country in 2018, followed by 625,000 in 2019, 225,000 in 2020, and 288,000 in 2021. Among those who left Pakistan, there were 200,000 highly-educated individuals and over 400,000 highly-trained youths.

While our youth undoubtedly play a crucial role in contributing to the well-being of our nation, the persistent brain drain poses significant challenges. It leads to a loss of talent, negatively impacts our economy, creates dependency on remittances, causes demographic imbalances, and hampers innovation and technological advancement. To mitigate these consequences, it is essential to implement policies that encourage talent retention, create attractive job opportunities, enhance education and research institutions, and foster a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, efforts should be made to encourage the return of emigrants, ultimately promoting “brain gain” and benefiting our nation’s development.

The government should prioritize creating a conducive environment for young professionals

Addressing the issue of brain drain requires a multifaceted approach involving not only government policies but also cooperation from various sectors of society. The government should prioritize creating a conducive environment for young professionals. This must include investing in quality and high-tech education, and research institutions to ensure that young people have the skills and opportunities they need domestically. Appropriate and swift availability of capital required by young entrepreneurs, formulation and execution of policies that promote entrepreneurship and creation should be a focal point of economic planning. The employer and state should ensure a fair and competitive labor market, instrumental in retaining talent. Labor laws should be modernized, ensuring job security and fair compensation, and reducing the attraction of foreign job markets. Government at all levels must establish channels of communication with the Pakistani diaspora to encourage them to contribute to the homeland’s development. This may include mentorship programs, Ustaad Shagrid concepts, investment incentives, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Civil society must come forward to encourage research and innovation within the country which surely can stem the flow of talent. Easily accessible Funding for research, creating technology hubs, and providing support for startups may also help create attractive opportunities for the youth. Communities and families should also play a role in building a civic sense, which ensures and encourages young people to stay or return. Emphasizing the value of contributing to their own society and the potential for making a positive impact can influence individual decisions. While the phenomenon of brain drain poses significant challenges, it also presents opportunities. By recognizing the importance of the youth in nation-building and implementing effective strategies to retain and harness their potential, we can mitigate the negative consequences of emigration. This requires a collective effort from government, society, and the international community to create a brighter future for our nation and our youth.

Also read: Pakistan brain drain accelerates in latest threat to ailing economy

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Fundraising.

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