Islamabad, Aug 23: The demand for a concerted effort by Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Friday serves as a pertinent reminder of the necessity of a coordinated plan to stop brain drain and enable young Pakistanis to realize their aspirations within the nation.
In an interview with a private news channel, Chairman HEC raised grave concerns about the mentality that prevails among Pakistani youth, who would sooner go for work outside than remain in their nation of origin.
He underlined that in order to give children hope and trust for a prosperous future in Pakistan, society, the media, and parents must work together.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the Chairman of HEC, stressed the importance of parents, the media, and society in helping young Pakistanis regain faith in their country and its future.
He called on all of these parties to work together to establish a supportive atmosphere that gives young people a sense of opportunity, security, and belonging.
In response to a query about the 97 students who received scholarships, were moved overseas, and then vanished, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that the episode revealed a more serious problem with a lack of continuity in policy and a lack of confidence.
He underlined that “rebuilding trust among the youth requires sustained efforts and consistent policies to address the brain drain phenomenon, which is a complex problem that cannot be addressed overnight.”
He said, “To address this, the HEC is taking concrete steps, including working with industry leaders to create job opportunities and career prospects, as well as introducing scholarships and research opportunities that incentivize students to stay in Pakistan.”
“In addition, the HEC is striving to set up a strong monitoring and assessment framework to trace the advancement of scholarship holders and guarantee their return to Pakistan at the end of their education,” he said.
Dr. Ahmad stated, “By implementing these steps, the trust gap can be closed, and young Pakistanis can be inspired to contribute their abilities and talents to the nation’s growth and development.”