Migrant crisis

The FIA has managed to arrest three alleged traffickers responsible for sending those migrants down the ill-fated path that led to the tragic death of seven Pakistanis in a migrant boat wreck off the coast of Libya. This shows how dire the socio-economic condition of Pakistan has truly become, and this desperation of wanting to flee the country in pursuit of a better life has given traffickers a golden opportunity to enhance their business and mint money.

While these human traffickers will be brought before the court and it is hoped that due action will be taken in accordance with law, it must be realised that the trafficking of migrants is merely a consequence of a far greater global problem. In the past decade alone, the global migration crisis has more than doubled in intensity. While there are many who had no other choice but to leave due to natural disasters or wars, there are those who were forced to leave because of the deplorable conditions in their own backyard. According to the UNHCR, we have surpassed the 100 million mark for total displacement, meaning that over 1.2% of the global population has been forced to leave their homes. These are staggering numbers that show something is seriously wrong with the social order. The social divide not just between countries but also between social classes within the same country has increased to alarming levels with millions around the world not being able to afford a decent living. Rampant unemployment, lack of opportunities and record-level inflation has turned Pakistan into an underdeveloped nation, like Somalia and Nigeria.

While dismantling traffickers is necessary, it would only add to the desperation and frustration of citizens who feel trapped in their own country. Regardless, a legal approach should be taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2023.

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