Seeking greener pastures has been one of the foremost pursuits of humankind for as long as history remembers...
COVER STORY
Seeking greener pastures has been one of the foremost pursuits of humankind for as long as history remembers. However, over time, the concept of a ‘green pasture’ has evolved. For the nomads and ancient civilisations, it meant proximity to a water body that could sustain crops, along with weather conditions suitable for both cattle and humans. Wherever war and terrorism erupted, the concept expanded to include peace. Today, in an increasingly materialistic world, a single word largely defines it: money.
Job prospects, attractive pay scales, and better living standards have become key determinants in the professional decisions of today’s youth. Whether one chooses to call it ‘brain drain’ or a valuable source of foreign remittances is open to interpretation. In this article, I only aim to present my perspective as a medical student nearing graduation, fully aware that the decision to move abroad or to stay in Pakistan remains deeply personal.
There is no denying that the West is far ahead in terms of technology and innovation. Breakthroughs in surgical techniques and the development of novel drugs often originate there before being adopted elsewhere. As such, fellowships and training from institutions in developed countries do offer a clear advantage. At the same time, while inflation is a global concern, Pakistan has been particularly affected in recent years. Rising living costs, limited job opportunities, and relatively stagnant salaries make achieving a high standard of living difficult for many. It is therefore understandable that when the same skill set is rewarded with better pay and stability abroad, many Pakistanis choose not to let such opportunities pass.
On the other hand, pursuing a career in Pakistan also has its own merits. Being a first-class citizen in one’s own country is a privilege that cannot be replicated elsewhere. While salaries may not always be impressive, private medical practice can be much more rewarding. More importantly, there are opportunities here for those who actively seek them. The overwhelmingly negative image of Pakistan often presented to the youth discourages them from even trying their luck here. Otherwise, efforts made in the right direction can, and often do, bear fruit.
It is also important to recognise that factors far beyond money shape such decisions.
Pakistan, being an Islamic state, provides an environment where Muslims can freely practice their religion. While practicing faith is certainly possible in the West, it often requires more conscious effort in societies where Muslims are a minority. Instances of prejudice against Muslims, though not universal, do occur. As one of my professors once remarked, “The first generation that moves abroad remains practicing Muslims. Two or three generations later, only the names - Adam Khan or Michael Khan – define them as Muslims, nothing else.” While this may not be true in every case, it reflects a reality that many families have experienced.
There are also many who choose to return. A reputable doctor once shared his experience at a conference at Aga Khan University. At the peak of his career in the UK, he was living a comfortable and fulfilling life. However, fate took a turn when his young daughter passed away. There was no one to fulfil her last rites; he found himself alone at her burial, with only one friend by his side. In that moment, he decided that it was time to return. He returned to Pakistan and, with his savings and support from others, established a hospital in his hometown in Baluchistan. Today, he finds contentment not just in professional success, but in purpose.
The family support system in Pakistan is another factor that often goes unnoticed until it is lost. Those who move abroad without extended family frequently find themselves navigating life on their own. Cultural differences, language barriers, and a sense of detachment can gradually create a void that material comfort alone cannot fill.
Some principles, however, should remain constant regardless of where one chooses to live. If one settles abroad, there is a responsibility to represent Pakistan with dignity and integrity. One must contribute positively, both through conduct and through means such as remittances, which play a vital role in supporting the national economy. On the other hand, those who choose to stay should strive to give back to the country that has shaped them. Many unseen contributions make a doctor’s journey possible, like the patients in government hospitals who allow an entire batch of students to examine them knowing that they can be of no help to taxpayers who fund public medical education. When the crop is ready, it is only fair to remember the efforts of the farmer.
Admittedly, Pakistan is not where its well-wishers would want it to be. Economic challenges, institutional inefficiencies, and social issues persist. However, the picture is not as bleak as it is often portrayed. The constant amplification of shortcomings, particularly in media narratives, has led to widespread disillusionment among the youth. It is important to realise that what we are told is neither entirely untrue nor the complete story.
Encouragingly, many individuals go abroad, acquire skills, and eventually return to serve their people. In such cases, what is often termed as ‘brain drain’ transforms into ‘brain gain’ – a shift that deserves recognition and encouragement.
Ultimately, the question is not simply whether Pakistan or abroad is the better option. Rather, it is about understanding where one can truly grow – professionally, personally, and morally – without losing a sense of identity and purpose. The decision extends beyond financial considerations, encompassing values, responsibilities, and long-term vision. It is not merely a career choice, but a life choice – one that shapes not only the individual, but families and generations. For that very reason, it deserves careful thought, honest reflection, and a decision made not out of impulse but out of clarity.
