PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has seen a significant brain drain in 2024, with many residents leaving Pakistan to seek employment abroad.
This exodus reflects a broader national issue, but its impact is particularly severe in KPK, where economic hardships have driven many to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Official records show that out of the 325,142 people who left Pakistan this year, a substantial number are from KPK, highlighting the province’s struggles with poverty and unemployment. In their desperation, many residents are resorting to illegal migration, often falling victim to forced labor and human trafficking networks.
This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the root causes of migration and protect migrant workers’ rights. The International Labor Organization (ILO) recently held a workshop in Peshawar on forced labor and fair recruitment, highlighting the importance of these issues and encouraging greater media coverage.
As the provincial government grapples with these challenges, effective solutions are urgently needed to safeguard the well-being of KPK’s residents, many of whom face danger and uncertainty in their pursuit of a better life abroad.
