Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organized a one day seminar on “Migration for Development: Role of Migrant Resource Center in Safe and Informed Migration”, in collaboration with Migrant Resource Center (MRC), established under the auspices of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD), Islamabad in auditorium of Faculty Block-II, IIUI.
Mr. Aon Abbas, Managing Director, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He said that the main reason of massive irregular migration from Pakistan is poverty and lack of opportunities for young people. He provided a comprehensive overview of the interventions of the new government to address the serious issue of poverty in the country and different programs to provide skills to the youth and engage them in socioeconomically productive activities. He emphasized that Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has been assisting deserving students to acquire skills and modern education to contribute positively for the development of Pakistan. He shared Prime Minister of Pakistan vision for the youth. He stressed young people must not use irregular means for migration as it could lead to serious risks for them and their families beside bringing bad name to the country. He also appreciated the efforts of Sociology Department for successfully arranging the seminar.
Dr. Hazir Ullah, Chairman, Department of Sociology & Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences (IIUI), extended vote of thanks to the chief guest, speakers, faculty members and students for making the seminar successfully. He advised the students to make informed and legal choices when deciding study/work abroad. Dr. Hazir Ullah drew the managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal to the poor and deserving students of IIU and requested for the increase in scholarship quota and giving special attention to the poor students of IIU.
Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf (Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI), highlighted the importance of informed migration specifically focusing on Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Saif Abbasi presented his research on “The effects of overseas migration on families left behind in Pakistan” and informed the participants how overseas migration effects the families and communities of origin.
Mr. Shahid Naveed (Coordinator, MRC) explained in detail the links between migration and development and highlighted the contribution of migrants for countries of origin and destination. Mr. Khayyam Sohail, Migration Expert (MRC) briefly introduced the functioning of MRC and provided information to the participants on safe migration, serious risks associated with irregular migration, in order to empower potential migrants and encourage them to make informed choices.
The seminar was organized to mark the “International Migrants Day” which is celebrated on December 18 each year. A large number of students and faculty members from Department of Sociology and other departments of social sciences participated in the seminar.