Islamabad (TheCOWNews Digital) – The latest economic survey reveals that millions of Pakistanis have migrated abroad for employment in the past year, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on overseas job markets for economic sustenance. According to the report, a significant portion of this migration came from Pakistan’s populous provinces, with the largest number of migrants originating from Punjab.
The Economic Survey report, released on June 10, 2025, highlights the shifting trends in labor migration, with key findings showing that in the past financial year alone, a total of millions of Pakistanis left the country in search of better job opportunities abroad. The total number of Pakistanis migrating for work has surged, reflecting both the economic challenges within the country and the appeal of overseas employment for the country’s growing workforce.
The survey indicates that the highest number of workers migrating from Pakistan came from Punjab, the most populous province. Over the past year, a total of 404,345 people from Punjab left for foreign employment. The province’s significant contribution to the country’s labor export underlines its economic challenges and the increasing unemployment rate, which has prompted many to seek work abroad.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a total of 187,000 individuals were reported to have migrated for work. This figure also highlights the persistent economic struggles in KP, where job opportunities are limited despite efforts to boost local economies. Similarly, Sindh reported that 60,424 individuals left for foreign employment in the same period.
A growing trend of migration has also been observed in Pakistan’s tribal areas, which traditionally had lower migration rates. According to the report, 29,937 workers from these regions have now sought employment abroad, a significant increase compared to previous years. This migration could be attributed to the increased availability of foreign job opportunities and the development of infrastructure that facilitates international travel and migration.
The report also sheds light on the migration patterns from Azad Kashmir, where 29,591 people left for employment. Additionally, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the country’s political hub, had 8,621 workers migrating abroad for better job prospects. The number of emigrants from Balochistan was comparatively lower, with 5,668 individuals seeking work abroad in the past year. Similarly, migration from the Northern Areas was limited, with only 1,692 individuals moving abroad for employment opportunities.
Several factors are contributing to this rising wave of labor migration from Pakistan. Economic challenges, including high inflation rates, a struggling job market, and limited domestic opportunities, have left many Pakistanis seeking greener pastures overseas. Many countries in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, remain top destinations for Pakistani workers, particularly in industries such as construction, hospitality, and domestic work.
Another significant factor is the high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth in Pakistan. According to the survey, youth unemployment stands at an alarming level, and with limited job creation within the country, many young professionals are seeking employment in countries with a higher demand for skilled and unskilled labor.
Furthermore, the devaluation of the Pakistani rupee and the rising cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for individuals to sustain themselves and their families. As a result, many are choosing to migrate abroad in hopes of securing better salaries and improving their financial well-being.
Pakistan’s economy has long been supported by remittances sent back by workers abroad. The report estimates that in the current financial year, remittances sent back home will have reached new heights, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. This influx of foreign currency plays a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, which has been under pressure due to inflation, external debt, and political instability.
While remittances have helped alleviate some economic challenges, the growing trend of labor migration also raises concerns about the long-term effects on the domestic job market. As more Pakistanis opt for employment abroad, the country faces challenges in addressing the rising demand for jobs, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
The trend of labor migration from Pakistan continues to grow, with millions of Pakistanis seeking better job prospects abroad. While this migration provides an economic lifeline through remittances, it also highlights the need for domestic policy changes that address unemployment, economic instability, and the development of the country’s labor market. Moving forward, the government will need to focus on creating more job opportunities and improving the local economy to reduce reliance on foreign employment.
