Department of Sociology, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organised a one-day national conference on Migration for Development: Challenges and Prospect.
The moot was aimed at bringing together academia, practitioners, diplomats and policymakers to discuss migration prospects and challenges in Pakistan and jointly propose a way forward. Eminent speakers of the conference discussed migration-related issues across four themes: remittances and socioeconomic development, migrant smuggling and human trafficking, migration and media, and migration, skills and education.
The chief guest of the conference Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai Rector IIU highlighted the consequences of illegal migration for Pakistan and other regions of the world and stressed the need to develop a comprehensive strategy to address this alarming global issue. He also expressed concern on the brain drain issue and its negative impact on the socioeconomic development of Pakistan. He stressed that efforts should be made to create more opportunities for educated and skilled youth to play their vibrant role in the development of our country. Earlier in the opening ceremony Vice President IIU Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalili appreciated the conference themes and stressed the need to discuss such significant issues by academicians and practitioners as need of the time.
Ms. Raana Rahim, Country Coordinator, International Center for Migration Policy Development, highlighted the working of ICMPD and its different programs to prevent migrant smuggling and human trafficking and promote orderly migration.
Mr. Shahid Naveed Coordinator MRC briefed the participants of the conference about the interventions of MRC in Pakistan to sensitize people about informed and orderly migration.
The panelists discussed, debated and critically explained the links between migration and development from different perspectives. They also suggested policy measures and strategies for streamlining migration in the best national and international interest.
Dr.Samina Malik Dean Faculty of Social Sciences IIU welcomed the speakers, participants and appreciated the Department of Sociology for organizing a conference on such an important issue of contemporary societies.
Dr. Hazir Ullah, Chairman Department of Sociology, thanked all the guest speakers and participants of the conference and appreciated the efforts of organizers (all faculty members of the Department of Sociology and students), especially Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf, in successfully arranging the conference.