Okay, let’s be real for a second. If you’ve ever sat in a Quetta Cafe with a bunch of Pakistani students, you’ve definitely heard the same conversation. “Bro, what’s your plan? GRE? IELTS? Or are you going for the work visa?” It’s like a national pastime at this point, plotting the great escape. But before we call this generation unpatriotic, let’s dig deeper. Why are so many young Pakistanis itching to leave? Spoiler alert, it’s not just about better opportunities. It’s about survival, ambition, and a system that feels like it’s working against them.
The Glorified Hunger Games
Let’s start with the obvious, jobs. Or rather, the lack of them. Imagine spending four years studying engineering, only to graduate and realize you’re competing with 10,000 others for one entry-level position that pays less than your monthly mobile bill. It’s not just frustrating, it’s downright demoralizing. And if you’re lucky enough to land a job, chances are you’ll be overworked, underpaid, and stuck in a role that makes you question every life choice that led you there. Meanwhile, friends who moved abroad are posting LinkedIn updates about promotions, bonuses, and work-life balance. It’s hard not to feel like you’re on the wrong side of the global divide.
Education, Great If You Can Afford It
Pakistan has some incredible universities, if you can get in. The competition for seats in top institutions is fierce, and even if you do secure a spot, the quality of education often leaves much to be desired. Private universities? Sure, if you’ve got a small fortune lying around. For many families, the cost of sending a child to a decent university is a lifelong debt. Compare that to countries like Germany, where education is free, or Canada, where scholarships are abundant. It’s no wonder Pakistani kids are lining up for IELTS and GRE exams like they’re Young Stunner’s concert tickets.
The Social Media Mirage
Let’s talk about social media, the ultimate highlight reel. Every day, Pakistani kids are bombarded with images of their peers living their best lives abroad. Whether it’s a cousin studying in Australia, a friend interning in Dubai, or an influencer sipping coffee in a Parisian café, the message is clear. Life is better out there. And while we all know social media doesn’t tell the whole story, it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out when your feed is full of success stories and yours feels stuck on pause.
Load-Shedding and Beyond
Living in Pakistan isn’t for the faint of heart. Between load-shedding, water shortages, and the ever-rising cost of roti, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly battling the system. Add to that the political instability, the lack of basic infrastructure, and the constant fear of inflation, and it’s no wonder young people are looking for an exit. It’s not that they don’t love their country, they do. But love doesn’t keep the lights on or put food on the table.
The Brain Drain Dilemma
Here’s the irony. Pakistan is losing its brightest minds to other countries. The very people who could help fix the system are leaving because the system is broken. It’s a vicious cycle, and one that won’t be easy to break. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Many of these young Pakistanis dream of coming back one day, once they’ve gained the skills, experience, and financial stability to make a real difference. The question is, will Pakistan be ready to welcome them back?
What Needs to Change?
If we want to stop this exodus, we need to start by fixing the basics. Better education, more job opportunities, and a system that rewards hard work instead of sifarish. We need to create a Pakistan where young people don’t feel like they have to leave to succeed. Until then, the dream of life beyond borders will continue to lure Pakistan’s youth. And honestly, can we blame them?
So, the next time you hear someone say, “I’m leaving,” don’t judge. Instead, ask yourself. What would it take to make them stay?