Drain or gain?

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 every year. According to a UN report from 2015, there are about 244 million migrants living in other countries. According to Pakistani officials, 1.7 million Afghan migrants and refugees are living in Pakistan. About 7.6 million Pakistanis live abroad. Furthermore, migration from rural to urban areas also occurs to a great extent in the country.

As we gear up to commemorate this occasion, we must guarantee conditions whereby migration takes place as a matter of choice instead of being prompted by need or force. In this regard, sound policies are required to ensure good governance, rule of law and access to justice; safeguard human rights; and prevent violence, conflict, and extremism. Education, viable opportunities, affordable health facilities and proper accommodation should be made available to everyone so that they can start their careers in their homeland. Our young generation needs to be given suitable opportunities so that they can utilise their talent to fuel development in their own country. The government should be at the forefront of providing them opportunities to prevent a brain drain.

Riaz Ahmed Rustamani

Dadu