ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Friday called for a united effort to address the ongoing brain drain and inspire young Pakistanis to pursue their ambitions within Pakistan.
In an interview with a private news channel, Dr. Ahmed voiced his deep concern over the prevalent trend among Pakistani youth, seeking employment and educational opportunities abroad instead of pursuing careers within their own country. He stressed the importance of a collaborative and a comprehensive approach; involving society, media, and parents, to rebuild trust and confidence in the future prospects available in Pakistan.
Dr. Ahmed Mukhtar underscored the need for these stakeholders to work together to foster an environment that promotes a sense of belonging, security, and opportunity for young people in the country.
Addressing the issue of 97 students who were awarded scholarships to study abroad but have since disappeared, Dr. Ahmed acknowledged that this incident reflects a broader problem of trust and policy consistency.
He noted, “The brain drain phenomenon is a complex problem that cannot be addressed overnight, and that it requires sustained efforts and consistent policies to rebuild trust among the youth,”.
To address this trend, the chairman HEC said that HEC is taking concrete measures including offering scholarships and research opportunities to encourage students to remain in Pakistan. Additionally, the HEC is working with industry leaders to create job opportunities for the youth.
He also mentioned that a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system is being established to track the progress of scholarship recipients and ensure their return to Pakistan after their studies.
In his concluding remarks, he said “By taking these measures, the trust deficit can be bridged, and young Pakistanis can be encouraged to contribute their skills and talents to the country’s growth and development”.
