New york: Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has said that migration is a transformative force that has shaped societies throughout history serving as a powerful engine of development for both the countries of origin and destination. He said that Pakistan remains committed to working with the international community to ensure a world where migration is a choice, not a necessity, and where every migrant can live with dignity and harmony.

While addressing during the General Debate of Second International Migration Review Forum, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that the Global Compact is a remarkable framework to enhance international cooperation on migration, and to strengthen the contributions of migrants towards achievement of sustainable development goals.

He said that as a major country of origin, transit, and destination, Pakistan brings unique experience and perspective to the dialogue on the multifaceted dimensions of human mobility.

He said that Pakistani diaspora, currently the 6th largest globally around 8.8 million compatriots, are a vital asset for both their host countries and their homeland. Our skilled professionals and labor force drive economic growth in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The remittances they send home, now exceeding $30 billion annually, provide sustenence for millions, supporting local development, social welfare, and poverty alleviation.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that the effective migration governance entails robust capacity building at all levels. To maximize this developmental impact, Pakistan calls for:

i. First, intensified global cooperation to reduce transaction costs, promote digital financial services, and enhance financial inclusion for migrants and their families in line with the SDGs.

ii. Second, for the protection of migrant workers, we advocate a comprehensive approach that safeguards the rights of workers throughout the entire migration cycle-from pre-departure and recruitment to employment and eventual return. This necessitates strengthening national legal frameworks, enforcing ethical recruitment practices, and ensuring equal treatment and decent working conditions for all.

iii. Finally, we need to address the alarming rise of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and harmful narratives that stigmatize migrants.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that the expanding regular migration pathways is the most effective strategy to reduce irregular movements and the vulnerabilities associated with them. We emphasize the creation of more accessible legal channels through bilateral labor agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and mobility partnerships that align global labor market needs with the skills of workers.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said simultaneously, we must maintain a firm collective stance against the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking. By strengthening border management, improving intelligence-sharing and targeting criminal networks, we can dismantle the structures that exploit human mobility.