In light of escalating economic challenges and diminishing job prospects, approximately 2,894,000 Pakistanis have emigrated in search of employment over the past three years, according to official data from the Protectorate of Immigrants. These individuals incurred migration fees totaling Rs2,660,000.

A montage of sentiments reveals that while jobs exist in Pakistan, they often do not match educational qualifications.

Many young people express frustration with favoritism and corruption undermining meritocracy, prompting their desire to seek opportunities abroad after completing their education.

According to the Protectorate of Immigrants, from 2022 to September 15, around 2,894,645 individuals have left the country, including a diverse range of professionals such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, architects, designers, bankers, and auditors.

Additionally, workers in trades such as plumbing, driving, and welding, as well as women, have also emigrated.

Young individuals believe that improving the merit system in Pakistan could reduce the exodus of talented professionals.

Since 1981, the majority of migrants totaling 8,440,000 have hailed from Punjab.

Other significant sources of emigration include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 3,570,000, Sindh with 1,280,000, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 526,000. Balochistan, however, has seen the least migration, with only 23,000 individuals leaving.