Mio Sato, Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM) visited CIMRAD

Ms. Mio Sato, Chief of Mission, IOM-Pakistan visited the Graduate Institute of Development Studies (GIDS), Lahore School of Economics, along with Sibgha Ajaz, Project Coordinator, Migration Management Department, IOM on July 28, 2021. Dr. Nasra Shah and Dr. Fareeha Zafar represented the Institute’s Centre on International Migration, Remittances and Diaspora (CIMRAD), along with Research Associates Almazia Shahzad and Samar Quddus. The objective of the meeting was to exchange views on migration related issues with a focus on the social and human dimensions of irregular international migration and Pakistan’s progress on achieving migration related Sustainable Development Goals. Data limitations and its proper dissemination to relevant stakeholders for in depth analyses was also discussed. Talking about operational impediments, Sibgha Ajaz shared that lack of coordination between government departments/ministries was the most significant one. Extending on the subject, Mio Sato spoke about the need for institutionalization of processes and setting up of a clear framework for introducing timely and effective policy initiatives. Emphasizing the role of academics in advocating for policy changes and providing inputs to national and international policy making institutions, the IOM Chief of Mission to Pakistan expressed a desire for future collaboration with CIMRAD.