Islamabad: The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development hosted the Thematic Meeting of the Budapest Process, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s engagement with this international platform. Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, highlighted the importance of expanding safe, orderly, and regular avenues for migration during his address at the event.
Minister Hussain emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the dignity, development, and well-being of its people. He noted the rising global demand for labor and the need for legal pathways for migration. “As global mobility increases, it becomes more important to expand safe, orderly, and regular avenues for migration,” he remarked.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Budapest Process, which unites countries of origin, transit, and destination in shared responsibility. “Pakistan has been a steadfast partner for over two decades,” he said, commending the Budapest Process Secretariat and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for their role in fostering consensus on migration governance.
Minister Hussain underscored the significance of labor mobility for Pakistan’s economy and its people, citing over 11 million Pakistanis abroad. “Our overseas Pakistanis are a vital pillar of national resilience,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safe and well-governed migration journeys.
The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening cooperation with destination countries and partners through a robust legal migration framework. “When managed well, migration benefits all parties, promoting development and economic growth,” he noted.
He also highlighted the Ministerial Declaration and Call for Action, adopted at the 7th Ministerial Conference in Budapest in November 2024, as a strategic framework for regional cooperation. “Its focus on strengthening legal migration and mobility pathways aligns closely with Pakistan’s priorities,” Minister Hussain concluded.