The Senate of Pakistan is taking significant steps to place people at the heart of migration governance, strengthening its role through closer cooperation with United Nations partners. In a high-level meeting at the Senate Secretariat, Ms. Rida Qazi, Advisor to the Chairman Senate on Special Initiatives, met with officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other UN representatives to chart a collaborative approach to migration challenges.
Ms. Qazi welcomed the delegation, highlighting the creation of the Senate’s Special Initiatives Wing as a key move toward a more people-focused Parliament. She stressed that this new orientation aligns international cooperation with Pakistan’s national and regional priorities, ensuring that legislative actions respond directly to the needs and aspirations of citizens.
During discussions, Ms. Qazi pointed out that the Parliament’s responsibilities in migration governance extend beyond just legislation and oversight. Lawmakers have the capacity to drive policies that address new opportunities and challenges in migration, integrate migration issues into broader development strategies, and support the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals. She noted that Standing Committees provide an effective platform for mainstreaming migration policies, improving oversight, and creating synergy between global commitments and domestic priorities.
To promote a more systematic approach, Ms. Qazi advocated moving from ad hoc solutions to structured frameworks, which would enhance accountability and enable comprehensive reviews of enforcement agencies and legislation. She also proposed establishing a parliamentary task force to further strengthen migration governance efforts.
Recognizing the economic significance of the Pakistani diaspora, Ms. Qazi reaffirmed the Senate’s positive stance on legal migration and its commitment to supporting Pakistanis abroad. She emphasized that structured parliamentary diplomacy and proactive international engagement are crucial for facilitating opportunities for overseas Pakistanis.
UN representatives, including IOM Chief of Mission Ms. Mio Sato, welcomed Pakistan’s people-centric approach and underscored the importance of treating migration as a diplomatic priority. They highlighted the growing challenge of climate-induced migration, stressing the need to integrate issues such as displacement caused by floods, health crises, and climate change into the national work plan. The UN officials confirmed that substantial expertise and programs are already available, offering solid foundations for deeper collaboration.
Acknowledging financial constraints, the UN delegation suggested exploring innovative funding sources beyond traditional avenues, including climate finance and partnerships with emerging donors. They noted that parliamentary diplomacy could play an instrumental role in mobilizing resources and convening key stakeholders to support migration initiatives.
Both sides expressed their commitment to moving forward with a joint framework for migration governance. The meeting concluded with agreement on the need for ongoing dialogue, innovative partnerships, and coordinated action, recognizing migration diplomacy as central to Pakistan’s international engagement strategy.
