The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reported 727,381 registrations for overseas jobs in 2024, followed by 687,246 by November 2025, pushing the two-year total beyond 1.4 million.
Healthcare and engineering sectors suffered heavily, exacerbating shortages. Nursing migration surged dramatically in recent years.
The trend has sparked online mockery of Army Chief General Asim Munir, who earlier this year described overseas Pakistanis as a "brain gain" rather than drain during a US visit, hailing them as national pride.
Critics, including PTI supporter Sajid Sikander Ali, argue no industries, research funding, or jobs can retain talent.
Frequent internet shutdowns compounded woes, costing $1.62 billion in 2024—the highest globally—hitting freelancers hard.
Experts warn of looming skilled worker shortages unless reforms address economic woes and governance.
Remittances provide short-term relief but cannot replace lost intellectual capital.
