Islamabad — A recent survey has highlighted a strong sense of patriotism among Pakistani youth, with 74% expressing a desire to stay in the country and contribute to its progress despite facing daunting challenges such as political instability, economic uncertainty, inflation, and limited job opportunities.
The survey, conducted in the last week of September, engaged over 1,600 participants aged 18 to 34. Only 26% indicated they would consider leaving Pakistan if given the opportunity, revealing a significant commitment to national development.
For those contemplating migration, the majority preferred Middle Eastern destinations, with 30% aspiring to move to Saudi Arabia and 20% to Dubai. Other preferred destinations included the United Kingdom (9%), Canada (8%), the United States (8%), Europe (5%), Australia (3%), Turkey (2%), Qatar (2%), Italy (2%), and Germany (1%).
Regional and Class Trends in Migration Intentions
The survey also unveiled significant regional and socioeconomic disparities in migration preferences:
- Islamabad topped the list with 46% of its youth expressing a desire to migrate, marking the highest percentage among all regions.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed at 35%, while Punjab (27%), Balochistan (21%), and Sindh (20%) showed comparatively lower migration intentions.
From a socioeconomic perspective:
- 36% of respondents from the upper middle and privileged class indicated plans to settle abroad permanently.
- In contrast, 28% of the middle class and 23% of the unprivileged class expressed a willingness to migrate.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite the obstacles, the survey underscores the resilience and optimism of Pakistan’s youth. Their commitment to nation-building reflects hope for a brighter future and a determination to shape Pakistan’s destiny against all odds.
