On Tuesday, 21 May 2024, , Mr. Mohd Syafik Firdaus, Counsellor of the Malaysian High Commission attended an event on the Launch of Perilous Journeys: Unravelling Irregular Migration from Pakistan at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event was organised by National Commission of Human Rights, Pakistan (NCHR) in collaboration with the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. His Excellency Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Others present were members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials of Pakistan, think tanks, members of business community and media personnel.
The document called for dedicated awareness units in smuggling-prone areas, awareness campaigns, special investigation units within districts, investment in training systems to enhance human capital development and fiscal benefits & improved coordination and data sharing among the stakeholders. The report also recommends clarity on responsibilities among law enforcement agencies, establishment of well-defined pathways for regular migration, inter-institutional coordination, poverty alleviation and literacy promotion among vulnerable communities, enhancing the prospects of safe, orderly and regular migration accommodating diverse skills and provision of incentives to retain high-skilled professionals in the country.
Speaking on this occasion, Chairperson of NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha said that the Commission, through this report, aimed to comprehensively examine the landscape of irregular migration originating from Pakistan. It also emphasised the distinction between human trafficking and migrant smuggling while shedding light on the drivers of migration, gaps in policy and legislation and the associated human rights abuses.
Azam Nazeer appreciated the efforts of NCHR and stated that irregular migration was a serious global issue. He said that primarily it was state’s responsibility to provide its citizens with an environment where can see their future in the country but that environment could be created only with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
