Pakistan has risen to fifth place on a list of countries contributing to illegal immigration in Europe, according to a recent report by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
The findings highlight that nearly 40% of Pakistanis desire to leave due to economic hardships, political instability, lack of employment, education, inflation, and security concerns.
The report, compiled by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Denmark and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reveals a significant rise in illegal emigration over the past two years.
Despite the risks, including dangerous routes, the trend persists. NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha acknowledged improvements following stricter laws after a fatal boat accident off Greece’s coast in 2023 that claimed over 300 Pakistani lives.
Senator Qaratul Ain Marri called the report a “call for action,” urging a coordinated effort to address the socio-economic and political issues driving the emigration. The data showed that urban areas had a higher desire to migrate, with Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan seeing the strongest push for emigration.
The NCHR report revealed that 40% of people in urban areas and 36% in rural areas of Pakistan are inclined to leave the country.
Between 2022 and mid-2023, Pakistan became the fifth-largest source of illegal immigrants to Europe, with thousands attempting the journey through Dubai, Egypt, and Libya. The report stresses the need for stronger awareness campaigns and the creation of legal migration routes.