More than half of Pakistan’s population would consider moving abroad in search of better opportunities, according to the WIN Worldviews Survey 2026. The findings indicate that 52% of Pakistani respondents are open to leaving the country, highlighting the interest in overseas opportunities among a significant share of the population.
The survey found that the proportion of Pakistanis considering migration is higher than the global figure. Worldwide, 46% of respondents said they would consider moving to another country, compared with 52% in Pakistan.
According to the findings, 40% of Pakistani respondents would move abroad if they could do so legally. Another 12% said they would consider leaving regardless of the conditions, reflecting different attitudes towards international migration.
Meanwhile, 48% of respondents said they would prefer to remain in Pakistan. Less than 1% either did not know whether they would move or did not provide a response.
The results highlight a divided outlook on migration, with a slight majority expressing openness to living abroad while nearly half preferring to stay in their home country. However, the survey figures alone do not establish the reasons behind these preferences or indicate how many people will actually leave Pakistan.
The findings also distinguish between people who would consider moving through legal channels and those who expressed a willingness to relocate regardless of the conditions. This difference is important because considering migration does not necessarily mean that a person has made concrete plans to move overseas.
For many people, the decision to relocate internationally can involve several considerations, including employment opportunities, education, family circumstances, personal security, and the possibility of improving their quality of life. However, the available survey findings do not specify which of these factors influenced respondents’ answers.
The comparison with the global average provides additional context. With 52% of respondents in Pakistan considering a move abroad, the country’s reported figure stands six percentage points above the worldwide figure of 46%.
At the same time, the 48% who prefer to stay demonstrate that interest in overseas opportunities is not universal. People’s intentions can differ depending on their personal circumstances, professional prospects, family ties, and long-term plans.
It is also important to distinguish between migration intentions and actual migration. A respondent who says they would consider moving abroad may never apply for a visa, secure a job overseas, or relocate permanently. Financial resources, immigration rules, employment prospects, and family responsibilities can all influence whether an intention becomes a reality.
The WIN Worldviews Survey 2026 findings offer a snapshot of how Pakistani respondents view the possibility of living abroad. They also provide a comparison with attitudes towards migration among respondents worldwide.
Further details about the survey’s sample size, fieldwork dates, and demographic breakdown would help explain how these attitudes vary across different groups. Without those details, the reported percentages should be understood within the limits of the available findings.
Overall, the survey reports that 52% of Pakistani respondents would consider moving abroad, compared with 46% globally, while 48% prefer to remain in Pakistan. The results underline the differing migration preferences expressed by people surveyed in the country.