New York: Pakistan has called for the expansion of regular migration pathways as a primary strategy to mitigate irregular migration and address related vulnerabilities. This was articulated by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum at the UN General Assembly.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahmad emphasized the necessity of creating more accessible legal channels through bilateral labor agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, and mobility partnerships. These initiatives aim to align global labor market needs with the skills and expertise of workers, thereby reducing the impetus for irregular migration.
The ambassador expressed concern about the increasing trends of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and harmful narratives targeting migrants. He highlighted the importance of comprehensive protection for migrant workers throughout the migration cycle. This includes fair recruitment practices, stronger legal safeguards, equal treatment, and decent working conditions.