Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for stronger parliamentary coordination, evidence-based legislation and sustained institutional dialogue to promote safe, orderly and regular migration while safeguarding the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of Pakistani migrants.
Addressing the First Parliamentary Dialogue on Migration Governance in Pakistan at the Senate Banquet Hall, Chairman Gilani welcomed Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Mio Sato, and appreciated IOM’s continued partnership with the Parliament of Pakistan in strengthening migration governance. He also commended the Office of Special Initiatives and Parliamentary Development Unit of the Senate Secretariat for organizing the important parliamentary initiative.
Chairman Senate said that migration was a multidimensional issue closely linked with employment, economic opportunities, human development, security and regional cooperation. He stressed that migration should not be viewed solely through a security lens, but addressed through a humane, balanced, evidence-based and development-oriented approach.
Chairman Gilani emphasized the need to protect migrant workers, promote safe and legal pathways, ensure ethical recruitment, facilitate remittances and safeguard Pakistanis abroad against racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia. The Chairman also highlighted the growing nexus between climate change and migration, noting that climate-induced displacement was emerging as an increasingly serious challenge for Pakistan. He called for predictable, accessible and adequate international climate finance, particularly grants, to strengthen climate resilience, protect vulnerable communities and reduce the risk of forced displacement.
Referring to Pakistan’s longstanding humanitarian contribution, Chairman Gilani highlighted that the country had hosted millions of Afghan refugees over several decades and provided them access to essential facilities and livelihood opportunities. He said Pakistan had also made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and continued to play a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace.
