ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of National Assembly on Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of promoting safe and legal migration channels instead of irregular and dangerous routes exploited by human trafficking networks.
Members of the committee highlighted the need for awareness campaigns across Pakistan to discourage illegal migration and educate citizens about lawful migration opportunities and procedures. The concerns were also raised regarding human smuggling networks and the risks associated with irregular migration routes to Europe.
The committee held its meeting with its Chairperson Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, in the chair here at Parliament House. A detailed briefing was presented regarding the special regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants, including Pakistani nationals residing in Spain. The committee termed the initiative a significant opportunity for Pakistanis and underscored the importance of promoting safe and legal migration channels. The chairperson appreciated the leadership of the government of Spain in opening legal avenues for migrant regularisation and emphasised that such initiatives could help protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while integrating them into formal economic systems. The foreign secretary acknowledged the proactive role played by the chairperson in promoting dialogue on legal migration pathways to Europe and appreciated her continued efforts in keeping the migration discourse active at institutional and diplomatic levels.
The foreign secretary and officials of the ministry briefed the committee on the extensive facilitation measures undertaken to ensure timely issuance of police clearance certificates, passports, visas and other required documentation. The chairperson observed that Europe’s tightening migration environment necessitates proactive engagement by Pakistan to secure lawful economic opportunities for its citizens abroad.
