A recent report highlighted Pakistan’s current government as surpassing its predecessors in accumulating short-term debt, promoting lavish spending, and exploiting resources. Despite record-high remittances of $34 billion in 2024, equivalent to nearly 10% of GDP, the majority of overseas Pakistanis work in low-skilled, informal jobs, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Even high-skilled expatriates often invest in real estate, leading to unoccupied properties in gated communities.
Labor has become Pakistan’s primary export, overshadowing physical commodities, with a focus on capital-intensive projects rather than benefiting the workforce. The report criticized the emphasis on high-profile conferences promoting capital-centric sectors like mining and agriculture, which do not prioritize labor concerns. As job opportunities dwindle and labor supply increases, an estimated one million Pakistanis seek to emigrate annually, reflecting the challenging employment scenario.
The report also condemned the real estate sector in Pakistan for its lack of job creation and reliance on land, water, and forest exploitation, contributing to environmental degradation. With a rising trend of people moving abroad for work, the report underscored the urgent need to address the country’s economic challenges and prioritize sustainable development over short-term gains.
