ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on September 15, 2026 called for stronger parliamentary coordination, evidence-based legislation and sustained institutional dialogue to promote safe, orderly and regular migration while protecting the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of Pakistani migrants.
Addressing the First Parliamentary Dialogue on Migration Governance in Pakistan at the Senate Banquet Hall, Mr Gilani said migration was a multidimensional issue linked with employment, economic opportunities, human development, security and regional cooperation.
He said migration should not be viewed only through a security lens, and should instead be addressed through a humane, balanced, evidence-based and development-oriented approach.
The Chairman Senate welcomed International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan Chief of Mission Ms Mio Sato and appreciated IOM’s continued partnership with the Parliament of Pakistan in strengthening migration governance. He also commended the Office of Special Initiatives and the Parliamentary Development Unit of the Senate Secretariat for organising the parliamentary initiative.
Mr Gilani emphasised the need to protect migrant workers, promote safe and legal pathways, ensure ethical recruitment, facilitate remittances and safeguard Pakistanis abroad against racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia.
He also highlighted the growing link between climate change and migration, saying climate-induced displacement was emerging as an increasingly serious challenge for Pakistan. He called for predictable, accessible and adequate international climate finance, particularly grants, to strengthen climate resilience, protect vulnerable communities and reduce the risk of forced displacement.
Referring to Pakistan’s longstanding humanitarian contribution, Mr Gilani said the country had hosted millions of Afghan refugees over several decades and provided them access to essential facilities and livelihood opportunities.
He said Pakistan had also made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and continued to play a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace.
The Chairman Senate underlined the importance of bipartisan parliamentary consensus on migration governance, saying the issue transcended political affiliations and directly affected families and communities across Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Mio Sato highlighted Pakistan’s role as a country of origin, transit and destination, and stressed the importance of international cooperation and practical national-level action on migration governance.
Ms Rida Qazi, Adviser to the Chairman Senate on Special Initiatives and PDU, said the dialogue would help strengthen Parliament’s capacity for effective legislative action and oversight of migration governance.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik highlighted the impact of climate change, including floods and rising temperatures, which have displaced millions of Pakistanis.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi emphasised the need for strong policies, reliable data and effective coordination to ensure dignified solutions for migrants and host communities.
Professor Yaqoob Khan Bangash of IBA Karachi presented an overview of Pakistan’s migration profile, highlighting its role as a country of origin, host and transit, and outlining priorities for stronger legislative oversight.
A panel discussion featuring Syed Ali Kasim Gilani, MNA; Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani; Romina Khurshid Alam, MNA; Professor Yaqoob Khan Bangash; and Ms Mio Sato examined progress, gaps and priorities in Pakistan’s migration governance, with a focus on strengthening Parliament’s role.
Earlier, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held a meeting with Ms Mio Sato, who called on him at Parliament House, Islamabad.
During the meeting, Mr Gilani appreciated the continued cooperation between the Parliament of Pakistan and IOM and commended capacity-building initiatives, particularly the Parliamentary Dialogue on Migration Governance and training under the Essentials of Migration Management (EMM 2.0).
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts and parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman Senate said Parliamentary Friendship Groups were playing an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering greater understanding among nations.
The meeting was attended by Member National Assembly Romina Khurshid Alam, Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider, Chairman Senate’s Adviser for Special Initiatives and Project Development Unit Ms Rida Qazi, and Principal Secretary to Chairman Senate Rabia Anwar.
