TOBA TEK SINGH: Unplanned migration and labour affairs are not merely social phenomena but are also economic, living and agricultural concerns, whereas massive urbanisation and diminishing agricultural land are posing a serious threat to food security amid increasing populations.

It was stated by Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while chairing the inaugural session of the 1st International Conference on Migration and Labour Affair organised by the Center for Migration and Labour Affairs (CMLA), Department of Rural Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

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

The launching ceremony of the book ‘Oases Agriculture in Pakistan’ comprising folk tales of agro-pastoral heritages, transformation and biodiversity written by Dr Burkert was also held on the occasion.

Dr Burkert dedicated the book to Prof Dr Iqrar and paid special thanks to Prof Zulfiqar and Dr Asif Ali for their support. Dr Iqrar said that he had previously worked with Dr Burkert on the book ‘Voices of Oman’. He said that PHEC had constituted 10 research clusters in which more than 30 universities were working together to address the pressing issues.

He said that it was a matter of concern that agricultural land was being converted into residential colonies and this trend was leading towards food insecurity.

He also showed his concern for rapid urbanisation and said that slums were on the rise, compounding the living crisis. He mentioned that there were around 200 higher education institutions, public and private, in the province that must take the role of think tanks to tackle these issues.

Dr Zulfiqar said that UAF was a partner in the ICDD from 2009-2022 to collectively work on migration, agriculture and food security. He said the ICDD, based at the University of Kassel, Germany, was a consortium of scientists from different countries including Germany, India, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico and others.

He said that with the migration from one region to another, wheat had become a staple food in many countries. He noted that it was essential to check that the migration by the labour force had 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 benefitted everyone by growing economies and improving livelihoods but the risks of migration should also be looked at.

She said, “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”.

She said that Germany had recently modernised its Skilled Immigration Act to create clearer opportunities for international students and professionals. Dr Sadaf Mehmood said that there were six universities, including Punjab University, Ghazi University, University of Gujrat, Multan Women University, BZU and UAF, in the migration and labour affairs cluster.

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

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026