ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 :Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), with support from the UK\u2019s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), successfully conducted a two-day intensive workshop focused on strengthening migration governance and combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) including trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants.
\nThe training brought together around 40 participants, including parliamentarians and policymakers from Punjab. This initiative aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the legal and policy frameworks surrounding migration, Trafficking in Persons (TIP), and the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) while enhancing the capacity of key stakeholders to develop and implement robust legislative and governance strategies.<\/p>\n
The training began with an opening session led by Executive Director of SSDO, Syed Kausar Abbas who warmly welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the workshop. He set the stage by highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach in tackling irregular migration and organized crime.
\nHe highlighted the critical role of parliamentary oversight in ensuring the effective implementation of legal frameworks, urging lawmakers to hold the government accountable for upholding migration governance standards. Abbas further called for strengthening collaboration between parliament, civil society, and enforcement agencies to address these complex challenges.
\nThe session was graced by remarks from Director General of the Anti Money Laundering Authority, Dr. Ehsan Sadiq and Deputy British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Andrew Dalgleish.
\nIn his opening remarks, Dr. Ehsan Sadiq highlighted the complexities surrounding Transnational Organized Crime and Irregular Migration in Pakistan, outlining the key issues and challenges. He stressed the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and enhanced international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks preying on vulnerable populations.
\nDr. Sadiq also emphasized the crucial role of parliamentarians in strengthening legislation and holding relevant departments accountable for the effective enforcement of legal frameworks.
\nThis was followed by a technical session led by Syed Kausar Abbas, who presented an in-depth analysis of the Legal Framework on Migration, TIP, and SOM, including Pakistan\u2019s national laws, international conventions (such as ILO and UN Conventions), and the National Action Plan on TIP & SOM.
\nAbbas highlighted critical gaps in the existing legal framework, stressing the need for harmonized laws and enforcement across all regions of Pakistan. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the distinction between TIP and SOM, which is essential for shaping policy and legislative actions.<\/p>\n
Deputy Director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Nasrullah Rai further elaborated on the Government\u2019s Efforts to Combat the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons, detailing the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and the steps being taken to improve operational responses and victim support.
\nIn the afternoon session, an expert in migration and TIP, Dr. Farhan Navid Yousuf explored the Root Causes of Irregular Migration, linking economic vulnerabilities, lack of job opportunities and conflict as key drivers. He stressed the importance of human rights concerns for irregular migrants and proposed policy solutions to promote safe, regular migration pathways.
\nDr. Yousuf also emphasized the role of local entrepreneurship and economic opportunities in reducing vulnerability to exploitation, encouraging stakeholders to think innovatively about empowering communities.
\nOne of the key sessions of the day was delivered by Senior Director at SSDO, Shahid Khan Jatoi who addressed the Role of Parliamentarians in Migration Governance. He underlined the critical importance of legislative oversight, detailing how parliamentarians can influence effective migration policies and offering examples of successful parliamentary initiatives.
\nParticipants engaged in interactive discussions, which culminated in the development of a legislative action plan aimed at improving migration governance through enhanced policymaking. The second day was focused on the procedural aspects of legislative work, with Mohsin Abbas Syed, a legislative expert, delivering a session on the Rules of Business of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.
\nThis session equipped participants with the knowledge of how parliamentary members can utilize tools such as legislation, motions, questions, and call-to-attention notices to influence migration policies and address emerging challenges. Attendees were divided into working groups to draft legislative specimens, simulating the development of migration-related policies that could be presented in parliament.
\nThe training concluded with parliamentarians formulating a detailed action plan focused on legislative engagement, strengthening the legal framework for migration governance, and creating policies to enhance youth employability and entrepreneurship. The plan also included district- and constituency-level advocacy, awareness-raising initiatives, and youth dialogues.
\nIn his closing remarks, Syed Kausar Abbas reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts to improve Pakistan\u2019s migration governance, emphasizing SSDO\u2019s ongoing commitment to capacity building and legislative advocacy in tackling TIP, SOM, and irregular migration.
\nThis workshop, supported by the FCDO, forms part of SSDO\u2019s broader mission to enhance Pakistan\u2019s response to migration governance and transnational organized crime. By engaging policymakers, law enforcement, and civil society, SSDO seeks to develop sustainable solutions that protect vulnerable populations, promote regular migration pathways, and strengthen institutional capacities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 :Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), with support from the UK\u2019s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), successfully conducted a two-day intensive workshop focused on strengthening migration governance and combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) including trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants. The […]<\/p>\n
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