MANSEHRA: The Migration Resource Centre Pakistan has launched an awareness campaign in the Hazara division to educate people on safe and informed migration.
“People attempt to migrate illegally to Europe and America often face fatal consequences and other hardships in their efforts to change their fate,” Chief Executive Officer Maryam Hina of the Needy Poor People Foundation told an interactive session held at the press club here on Tuesday.
The session was attended by the president of the District Bar Association, Hafiz Mohammad Naseem Khan Advocate along with District Bar Association members Mubarek Ahmad Qureshi, Mehmood Akhtar and others.
Hina expressed concern that over 65percent of migrants were risking their lives through dangerous “donkey flights,” with recent incidents claiming lives of hundreds of Pakistanis which was an evidence of this growing crisis.
“We have been sensitising lawyers, journalists, and other segments of society to play an active role in reducing the high rate of illegal migration to near zero,” she said.She said that those seeking to move abroad, especially to Europe, should only use legal means of migration.
“I do not deny that people face significant economic challenges and may wish to migrate, but they should do so only through legal and safe channels,” she added.The president of the District Bar Association Hafiz Mohammad Naseem Khan Advocate said that changing societal norms were compelling people to seek financial opportunities through illegal means.
Prices of essential items reviewed: District Price Control and Review Committee, headed by the deputy commissioner, on Tuesday set the prices of essential and kitchen items for Ramazan.
“We have provided relief of Rs10 to Rs20 per kilogram in prices based on previous rates, and if traders overcharge, they will be brought to justice under strict relevant laws,” Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal told the meeting held at the district council hall.
The meeting was attended by traders, consumer representatives, and heads of devolved departments.Shakeel Awan, president of the central traders’ body, in consultation with the presidents and general secretaries of various wings, announced price reductions for essential commodities, beef, and other items.
Iqbal stated that magistrates would pay regular visits to markets and bazaars to ensure that no one charged more than the prices set by the committee.“We want traders to follow these prices in letter and spirit to provide relief to the people,” he said.
Awan assured that the business community would cooperate with the district administration and other relevant departments in maintaining the prices determined by the committee for Ramazan.He added that traders from almost all wards in the city and its suburbs were consulted before the meeting to ensure reasonable rates during the fasting month.