Pakistan's 'Brain Gain' Claim Crumbles as 29,000 Professionals Flee in Two Years

• Pakistan faces a severe 'brain drain' with 29,000 doctors, engineers, and accountants leaving in the last two years, contradicting official 'brain gain' claims.
• Official data shows 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers, and 13,000 accountants departed in 2024-25 alone, signaling deeper structural stress.
• The healthcare sector is severely impacted, with nurse migration increasing by 2,144% between 2011 and 2024, straining public health services.
• Economic instability, high inflation, political uncertainty, and limited career opportunities are primary drivers for skilled professionals seeking better prospects abroad.
• Internet shutdowns in 2024 caused $1.62 billion in losses and put 2.37 million freelancing jobs at risk, exacerbating the economic woes.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's brain drain of skilled professionals highlights deep economic and political instability.