Islamabad (Web Desk): International Migrants Day is being observed today (Wednesday) across the globe including Pakistan.
The theme of the day this year is 'Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.'
The day aims to raise awareness about the challenges and difficulties of international migration.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said government is fully committed to empowering, facilitating and safeguarding welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
He said that the government has passed Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act, 2024, ensuring timely justice and safeguarding the rights of overseas Pakistanis.
“Pakistan has been a welcoming host to migrants while also proudly witnessing its vast diaspora flourishing around the world, PM Shehbaz said, reaffirming the pledge to advocate for migrants’ lawful rights, eliminate exploitation, and create an environment where migration becomes a symbol of opportunity and progress to pursue a brighter future.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed December 18 as International Migrants Day in 2000.
As per the UN, around 281 million people – 3.6% of the global population – are international migrants.
Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon. The reasons people undertake – or are forced to undertake – often perilous journeys are complex.
Increasingly, people are being displaced from their place of birth by conflict, political and economic instability, natural disasters and climate change.