Amid growing concerns over misinformation and the perils of trafficking and smuggling, Pakistan marked International Migrants Day 2025 with a resolute call for creating safe, regular, and informed migration pathways for its burgeoning youth population.
The commemoration, spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), brought together a diverse audience including hundreds of university students, diplomats, and government officials to address the critical issue. The gathering focused on equipping young people to make safe and transformative choices regarding overseas opportunities.
This year’s observance emphasized the central role of youngsters in shaping the future of Pakistan’s migration landscape. Discussions highlighted the need for responsible mobility, enhanced skills, student-focused opportunities, and a concerted effort to combat false narratives in the digital age. Speakers underscored Pakistan’s standing as a principal country of origin for people on the move globally, stressing the necessity for evidence-based policies and stronger public-private collaboration.
A poignant theatre performance by Theater Wallay, based on the real-life accounts of Pakistani expatriates, offered a powerful depiction of their aspirations, hardships, and resilience. Following the performance, a panel discussion delved into realistic migration choices and the importance of trustworthy information.
The panel featured Ms. Farwa Abbas from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, filmmaker Syed Muhammad Hassan Zaidi, Shaharyar Ahmad from IOM, and Minha Rana, a Pakistani student in Germany. They collectively explored the risks linked with irregular migration and the trust built through accurate guidance.
Mio Sato, IOM Pakistan’s Chief of Mission, stated that migration is fundamentally about human development. ‘When young people have access to accurate information, ethical pathways and skills-based opportunities, they are empowered to make choices that are safe and transformative,’ she remarked, reaffirming IOM’s dedication to supporting the government through information-driven mobility programs.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, commended IOM’s support in fostering orderly migration. He noted that by improving skills mobility and promoting ethical recruitment, Pakistan can amplify its contribution to the global workforce and drive development both at home and abroad.
Abdullah Maroof, a content creator who shared his family’s journey from Nigeria, emphasized the mixed messages young people often receive. He argued that clear, fact-based guidance is essential for understanding both the potential and the perils, leading to safer journeys.
Journalists and digital influencers at the session reinforced the media’s crucial part in dispelling rumours and countering exploitative practices. Anchorperson Absa Komal asserted that the media has a responsibility to add positivity to the migration narrative and shape public perception constructively.
IOM restated its commitment to collaborating with government bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector on innovative governance initiatives. These include digital awareness campaigns, skills recognition programs, and improved data systems.
The program concluded with informational booths where IOM teams provided students with practical advice on labour mobility, migrant protection, and counter-trafficking measures. Speakers reiterated that well-managed migration benefits all societies and promotes shared prosperity.