PEC Brain Gain Portal: Pakistan Taps Diaspora
Written by Engr Asghar Hayat
A man also wants to contribute where his roots are. The same holds true for thousands of Pakistani engineers working across the globe from the oil fields of the Middle East to the tech hubs of Europe and North America. Despite building careers and earning recognition abroad, a deep connection to their homeland remains. The desire to give back never really leaves. Yet, for years, there was no proper platform to turn this goodwill into meaningful impact. That has now changed with the launch of the Pakistan Engineering Council’s Brain Gain Portal.
This initiative, introduced under the leadership of PEC Chairman Engr Waseem Nazir, is not just a symbolic gesture, it’s a structural solution to a long-standing gap. Within six months of taking office, Waseem Nazir set the tone for a new direction in the engineering profession, and the Brain Gain Portal is one of his most significant contributions. Designed as a bridge between overseas engineers and local institutions, the portal aims to reverse the effects of brain drain by channeling knowledge, mentorship, and innovation back into Pakistan.
Every year, Pakistan witnesses a large outflow of talent. Over 700,000 Pakistanis left the country last year alone in search of better opportunities. Among them were 7,000 to 10,000 engineer’s graduates and experienced professionals seeking jobs, research, or higher education abroad. Engineering, one of the country’s most vital professions, is bleeding talent. But instead of watching silently, PEC has decided to act.
The Brain Gain Portal is a digital meeting point a space where local engineers and institutions (the seekers) can connect with experienced professionals working abroad (the contributors). This isn’t just a list of contacts. It’s a complete ecosystem, featuring personalized engineer profiles, global chapters, real-time data dashboards, discussion forums, mentorship programs, and even a consultancy marketplace.
Through the portal, overseas engineers can contribute in numerous ways mentoring young professionals, supervising final-year university projects, guiding research, advising startups, collaborating with universities, and supporting large-scale infrastructure or climate resilience projects. In return, local engineers gain access to international knowledge, new perspectives, and professional guidance that can elevate both their careers and technical standards in the country.
One of the portal’s standout elements is the Hall of Fame, which showcases globally recognized Pakistani engineers who have left their mark in various industries and are now giving back. Their stories, successes, and lessons serve as both inspiration and roadmap for younger engineers navigating their way through the profession.
The portal also fosters collaboration between international experts and local institutions in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, and water management. These sectors are vital to Pakistan’s future, yet they often suffer from skill shortages and lack of access to cutting-edge practices. By plugging overseas expertise into local gaps, the Brain Gain Portal creates a win-win situation for both sides.
What makes this initiative even more relevant is its potential to support national development goals. Pakistan faces growing challenges in infrastructure, climate change, urban planning, and technological transformation. Engaging diaspora engineers in these areas whether as advisors, consultants, or collaborators adds not just value but credibility and innovation to the process. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Pakistan can now benefit from tested solutions and global experiences.
For overseas engineers, the portal offers more than just a professional outlet it’s a pathway to reconnect with the homeland without needing to relocate permanently. They can engage with local academia, join government advisory panels, contribute to engineering curriculum reform, and even invest in the startup and technology sectors. The portal also ensures recognition for their contributions, giving them a place of honor within the profession they never really left behind.
On the ground, local engineers gain exposure to international case studies, training materials, and real-world innovation. They get a front-row seat to global engineering trends and access to mentorship that could redefine their career trajectories. More importantly, they begin to see engineering not just as a job but as a global profession one that can be practiced from Karachi to Canada with the same level of excellence.
Pakistan has long grappled with the cost of losing its best minds. But rather than treat brain drain as a one-way street, the Brain Gain Portal flips the narrative. It acknowledges the reality that people leave but it also offers a solution: invite them to contribute, collaborate, and build from wherever they are.
In a world increasingly driven by digital connections and cross-border collaboration, PEC’s Brain Gain Portal arrives not a moment too soon. It’s a timely, practical, and visionary response to one of Pakistan’s most persistent challenges. More than a portal, it is a chance to turn lost potential into lasting progress.
