As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to 2025, the air in Pakistan is heavy not with celebration, but with despair. For the majority, this New Year does not symbolize hope or renewal—it underscores the grim reality of a nation teetering on the edge. The cost of living continues its relentless ascent, job opportunities for even the most qualified individuals have dried up, and an exodus of people seeking greener pastures has become a desperate flight.
Pakistan has been marred by economic and political instability for years, but the current crisis is unprecedented. Inflation is at an all-time high, with necessities like flour, oil, and utilities now out of reach for the average citizen. The job market offers no solace for those fortunate enough to hold degrees or technical qualifications. Positions that once offered stable incomes are either no longer available or pay wages that barely cover subsistence.
This dismal state has forced many to seek opportunities abroad, but even that path is fraught with peril. Reports of people leaving Pakistan illegally, often through Iran, are becoming alarmingly frequent. Smugglers and human traffickers prey on the desperation of these individuals, promising them safe passage to Europe or the Middle East. Instead, many face the unimaginable horror of boat accidents, where dreams of a better life are swallowed by the sea. Recent tragedies—capsized vessels and dozens of lives lost—paint a harrowing picture of the risks involved.
Rather than addressing the root causes that compel people to leave, the government has opted for punitive measures. Authorities have begun cancelling the passports of those attempting to cross borders illegally, a move that does little to stem the tide of desperation. These actions reflect a callous disregard for the plight of citizens who see no other option but to flee.
For those still contemplating their future in Pakistan, the message is clear: survival demands decisive action. While leaving one’s homeland is a heart-wrenching choice, it may be the only path to a life of dignity. The international community, too, must recognize this humanitarian crisis and provide avenues for safe, legal migration for those seeking refuge.
The start of a New Year should bring aspirations of a brighter tomorrow. But for Pakistan, 2025 offers no such promise. If anything, it amplifies the urgency to leave while one still can. The question no longer is whether Pakistan can change—the question is whether one can afford to wait for change. For many, the answer is a resolute no.
The tragedy of Pakistan’s plight is not just a national failure but a global one. It is a sobering reminder of what happens when governance fails, when corruption supersedes care, and when leadership turns a blind eye to its people. The time to act is now, and for many, that means leaving before it’s too late.