Governance Turbulence and Skilled Migration: Examining Pakistan during Imran khan era

Abstract

This paper examines the complex relationship between political instability and the acceleration of brain drain in Pakistan during the tenure of Prime Minister Imran Khan from 2018 to 2022. Employing a qualitative -methods approach, this research analyzes longitudinal emigration data, sector-specific workforce trends, and qualitative insights from professionals who emigrated or considered emigrating during this period. The study finds that political turbulence during these years, characterized by frequent policy changes, civil-military tensions, and no-confidence motions, exacerbated pre-existing economic vulnerabilities and significantly contributed to the decision of highly skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad. The emigration of critical workforce segments including healthcare professionals, engineers, IT experts, and academics intensified, depriving Pakistan of essential human capital needed for sustainable development. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how political factors interact with economic determinants in influencing migration decisions and offers policy recommendations for mitigating brain drain through institutional stability, economic reforms, and diasporas engagement strategies.