Unplanned migration and labor affairs provoking economic, living and agricultural concerns: Dr Iqrar

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2026) Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said on Wednesday that unplanned migration and labor affairs are not only merely social phenomenon but also provoking economic, living and agricultural concerns whereas the massive urbanization and diminishing agricultural land are posing a serious threat to food security amid increasing populations.

He was chairing the inaugural session of 1st International Conference on Migration and Labor Affair organized by Center for Migration and Labor Affairs (CMLA), Department of Rural Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) held at Center for Advanced Studies.

Prof Dr Andreas Burkert from University of Kassel, Germany, First Secretary Violetta Anand Kuzmova from German Mission in Islamabad, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor Ghazi University Prof Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, Dean Social Sciences Dr Waqas Wakil, Dr Giacomo Orsini, Lead Scientist of CMLA Dr Sadaf Mahmood and other notables also spoke on the occasion.

The launching ceremony of Book “Oases Agriculture in Pakistan” comprising Folk tales of Agro-Pastoral Heritages, Transformation and Biodiversity written by Dr Andreas Burkert was also held on the occasion.

Dr Andreas Burkert dedicated the book to Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and paid special thanks to Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and Dr Asif Ali for their support.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that he was previously worked with Dr Andreas Burkert on the book Voices of Oman.

He said that PHEC has constituted 10 research clusters in which more than 30 universities are working together to address the pressing issues.

He said that it is a matter of concern that agricultural land is being converted into residential colonies that trend leads towards food insecurity.

He also showed his concern that due to heavy urbanization slum areas are on the rise compounding living crises.

He also mentioned that there are around 200 higher education institutions, public and private, in the province that must take the role of think tank and game changer.

Prof Dr Andreas Burkert, talking about the book, said that a decade ago with conservation with Dr Khan, we set a mission is to bring up the people of Pakistan—both those in the academic environment as well as the people in the countryside, those who have no voice—to lift them up and decided to write the book.

He also thanked Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and Dr Asif Ali for their continuous support in this regard.

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Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that at the time of partition massive migration was taken place.

He said that UAF was partner in ICDD form 2009-2022 to collectively work on migration, agriculture and food security.

He told that ICDD based in university of Kassel Germany was the consortium of different countries including Germany, India, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico and others’ scientists.

He said that with the migration from one region to another, wheat consumption has turned out as staple food with the passage of time in many countries.

He noted that it is essential to check that if the migration by labor force has an impact on the agricultural pattern worldwide.

Violetta Anand Kuzmova said that Pakistan possesses a great strength: a young, dynamic population with tremendous potential, creating an opportunity for a genuine partnership.

When managed transparently, migration benefits everyone by growing economies and improving livelihoods, she added.

She said that we must be honest about the risks of migration. Too often, young people are misled by false promises from unlicensed agents or dangerous irregular routes.

Germany strongly advocates for safe and migration based on verified qualifications, language preparation, professional skills and transparent procedures etc, she said.

He said that Germany has recently modernized its Skilled Immigration Act to create clearer opportunities for international students and professionals.

Prof Dr Ashfaq Ahmad stressed upon the need of pace up efforts to address the issue for national interest.

Dr Waqas Wakeel said that migration and labour affairs are among the most pressing global challenges that demand collective wisdom and practical solutions.

He said that strengthened international collaboration will help address migration-related issues effectively and ensure dignified employment opportunities, social justice, and economic stability for communities across the world.

Dr Sadaf Mehmood said that there are six universities including Punjab University, Ghazi University, University of Gujraat, Multan Women University, BZU and UAF in Migration and Labour Affairs cluster.

She said that it is aimed at as a leading center for research and policy innovation in migration and labor affairs, advancing resilient communities and decent livelihoods.

They are committed to produce evidence, inform policy and strengthen communities in the areas of migration and labour affairs, she added.