Last Updated: April 25, 2025
Why Everyone Is Leaving Pakistan — But These People Are Coming Back
In the past decade, Pakistan has experienced a significant outflow of talent and ambition. With over 800,000 Pakistanis leaving the country in 2023 alone, the phrase “brain drain” has become more than a buzzword — it’s a national crisis.
Why Are So Many Leaving?
Rising inflation, political instability, lack of opportunities, and a fragile education and healthcare system are just a few of the reasons. Countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and Germany offer stability, security, and promise — something young professionals in Pakistan desperately seek.
“I couldn’t imagine building a future here. My degree felt worthless, and every job was about connections, not merit,” said Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer who moved to Berlin in 2022.
The Returners: A Surprising Shift
But in the shadows of this mass departure, a quieter, more hopeful movement is taking shape — some Pakistanis are coming back.
Not because life abroad was hard, but because they believe home is worth investing in.
Case Study: The Tech Entrepreneur
Fatima R., a 34-year-old tech entrepreneur, moved to the US in 2014 and worked with major Silicon Valley firms. In 2021, she returned to Lahore to launch an edtech startup. Her goal? “Build the kind of access I never had growing up.” Her company now employs 40 people and partners with schools across Punjab.
Case Study: The Doctor Who Came Home
Dr. Imran moved to the UK in 2006 but returned to Pakistan in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. He opened a low-cost clinic in Karachi, funded partly through crowdfunding and donations from the diaspora. “It was time to give back,” he said. “This is my country.”
Why Are They Coming Back?
- Identity: A longing to reconnect with roots and culture.
- Opportunity: Pakistan’s untapped markets, especially in tech, education, and agriculture.
- Family: Aging parents and cultural ties often pull people back.
- Impact: A desire to make a difference, to build rather than flee.
The Role of the Diaspora
Pakistan’s overseas community sends back over $30 billion annually in remittances. But beyond money, many are now bringing back ideas, skills, and startups.
Examples of Diaspora Impact
- Paklaunch: Connecting global investors with local startups.
- CodeGirls: A coding bootcamp for young women, co-founded by a Pakistani expat from Canada.
The Road Ahead
Pakistan is at a crossroads. While millions continue to search for better lives abroad, a small but growing number are trying to create better lives within. These returners are planting seeds of hope, innovation, and progress.
And maybe, just maybe — they’re showing us a version of Pakistan worth staying for.