Pakistan witnesses a significant surge in migration

Assadullah Channa

WITH emergence of new government, focus has completely shifted to economic reforms and reviving wheel of money. Maintaining balance of payment, foreign funds and maintaining monetary policy as per international norms has been priority of current government which shall be fruitful as time passes. However in recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in migration, as thousands of its citizens seek opportunities abroad for a better standard of living.

According to the EU Agency for Asylum, 28,000 Pakistanis lodged asylum applications in EU plus countries between October 2023 and October 2024. This figure underscores a growing desperation among the country’s populace, with Italy emerging as the top destination, followed by France, Greece, and Germany. Despite multiple efforts by government, economy has been grappling with persistent challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and a weakening currency. These issues have rendered everyday life increasingly unaffordable for a large segment of the population. Many middle-class families, once the backbone of the country’s economic stability, find themselves slipping into poverty. The promise of better job prospects and improved living conditions abroad has become an irresistible draw for countless Pakistanis.

The construction and agricultural sectors in Italy, for instance, offer employment opportunities that are unavailable or poorly compensated in Pakistan. The lure of higher wages and better working conditions makes Italy a preferred destination for those willing to undertake arduous journeys and face legal hurdles. Similarly, France, Greece, and Germany, with their diverse economies and relatively open immigration policies, continue to attract Pakistani migrants seeking stability and opportunity.

Beyond economic struggles, Pakistan’s socio-political landscape has further fuelled migration. Instability, characterised by frequent protest from opposition, corruption, and a lack of effective governance, has created an environment of uncertainty. Social pressures also play a role.

Migration, especially when undertaken through irregular channels, comes with significant risks. Human trafficking networks and exploitative smugglers often prey on vulnerable individuals, promising safe passage to Europe but delivering them into dangerous and inhumane conditions. Reports of migrants enduring perilous sea journeys, cramped and unsanitary living conditions, and even loss of life are not uncommon. For those who manage to reach their destination, the challenges do not end. Cultural integration, language barriers, and limited access to resources can make the process of rebuilding their lives abroad a daunting task. Despite these obstacles, many Pakistanis view migration as a necessary gamble for a chance at a better future.

The growing number of Pakistani migrants in Europe has also drawn international attention. EU countries face the dual challenge of addressing the humanitarian needs of asylum seekers while managing their own political and economic concerns. The influx of migrants has fueled debates over immigration policies, border control, and integration strategies in these countries.

Addressing the root causes of migration is essential to stem the outflow of its citizens. While the immediate focus remains on addressing the needs of migrants and asylum seekers, the long-term solution lies in creating conditions within Pakistan that eliminate the need for such large-scale migration.