Senate leaders and representatives of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) met at the Senate Secretariat to discuss strengthening Pakistan’s migration governance, expanding safe and legal mobility pathways, and advancing policy reforms and skills development. Both sides agreed to pursue long-term cooperation focused on knowledge sharing, parliamentary support for migration policies, and improved data-driven legislation to protect overseas Pakistanis and harness migration for economic growth.
The introductory meeting, held at the Special Initiatives/Project Development office, brought together Senators Faisal Javed and Fawzia Arshad, members of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the Advisor to the Chairman Senate on Special Initiatives, and the Senate Secretariat’s project development team. The ICMPD delegation was led by Enrico Ragaglia, Regional Portfolio Manager based in Vienna, and Fawad Haider, Head of Office for ICMPD Pakistan.
Welcoming the delegation, Rida Qazi emphasized the Senate’s role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Pakistanis and called for stronger migration governance. She noted Pakistan’s large youth population as both a challenge and an opportunity, and urged collaboration with international partners such as ICMPD to develop structured, safe and legal migration pathways in line with global best practices.
ICMPD officials outlined the organisation’s global and local work. Ragaglia described ICMPD as an intergovernmental body established in 1993 with 21 member states and operations in more than 90 countries. He said ICMPD has been active in Pakistan since 2018 under the Silk Routes Region initiative, working with multiple ministries and law enforcement agencies to support migration policy, reintegration and border management. He also highlighted ICMPD’s role in setting up Migrant Resource Centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar to provide information on safe and legal migration routes.
Fawad Haider briefed senators on current initiatives seeking parliamentary backing, including the National Emigration and Welfare Policy for Overseas Pakistanis and the Integrated Border Management Policy. Senators expressed support for these initiatives and pledged to raise them in relevant Senate committees and policy discussions within the Upper House.
Lawmakers raised specific concerns affecting migrants and students. Senator Faisal Javed drew attention to the plight of Pakistani prisoners detained abroad, many of whom lack adequate legal assistance, and called for stronger bilateral arrangements to address their needs. He warned that rising unemployment is driving young people into irregular migration, increasing their risk of exploitation and imprisonment. Senator Fawzia Arshad highlighted challenges Pakistani students face adapting to foreign education systems and urged the creation of structured mechanisms to support educational mobility.
The meeting concluded with agreement to explore concrete avenues for collaboration, including knowledge-sharing sessions, research and data exchange, and targeted support to Senate committees and the secretariat. Both sides said future cooperation will aim to strengthen migration governance, enhance labour and skilled mobility opportunities, and leverage migration as a strategic driver of economic growth, social protection and international credibility for Pakistan.
