When home begins to suffocate

It sometimes feels that Pakistan is stuck in a heartbreaking loop where the same tragedies keep occurring regularly. Unfortunately, years of political unrest, security concerns and economic instability have pushed hundreds of Pakistanis to a point where fleeing, with any means necessary, is an attractive option. They then embark on perilous journeys where the unfortunate ones either lose their lives or disappear without any trace, leaving their families in an awfully long period of waiting and anguish. In 2025, a total of 109 Pakista­nis were among at least 2,722 persons from the Asia-Pacific region who died or disappeared around the world in an attempt to cross illegally into other countries, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). According to IOM, this marks the second consecutive year with more than 2,700 deaths worldwide.

This is the kind of situation where all world leaders need to debate and chalk out a plan to ensure people’s dignity. Different reports have suggested that some businesses in developed countries exploit the legal status of migrants and make them work overtime. Since these people are usually in hiding, they have no means to complain about such exploitation. Second, all these developed countries are also directly or indirectly involved in triggering chaos in their home countries. International financial institutions led by the developed world force low-income countries to take harsh decisions to qualify for financial aid. These countries also show reluctance to donate to countries affected by climate change, which makes places unlivable for thousands of people who then struggle to move abroad.

Having said this, Pakistani authorities are equally responsible for putting an end to illegal migration. This can be reduced through a combination of stronger border control, stricter action against human smuggling networks and improvements in economic opportunities at home. Authorities should enhance surveillance and monitoring at borders, while also cracking down on agents who exploit people seeking to migrate illegally. At the same time, creating more jobs, promoting legal pathways for overseas employment and raising public awareness about the risks of illegal migration can address the root causes. A balanced approach that combines enforcement with social and economic reforms is essential for long-term success. Much of this also rests on the government’s ability to develop small cities and villages. Not everyone can afford to move to urban areas for jobs. We are blessed to have a talented nation that can do wonders if trained rightly. The government should create a business-friendly environment for small business owners and teach them how they can expand. We are sitting on a gold mine, but our internal fissures have forced our people to abandon their land and toil in foreign countries for a safe future. It is the authorities’ responsibility to turn our country into a hub of success and prosperity. Other countries like Singapore and the UAE have done it; we can also do it. All we need is political will.