ISLAMABAD, June 18: A proper framework for the policies and programmes to provide protection to the immigrants is urgently needed in view of enhanced level of migration.

At the concluding session of the first national three-day seminar on “the state of migration and multiculturalism in Pakistan”, commenced here on June 16, speakers recommended that Pakistan is hosting a multicultural society which should be established through peace and harmony.

The seminar was jointly organized by Unesco and Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).

They said a national policy with the collaboration of ministries of education, labour, culture, information, foreign affairs and statistics bureau is urgently formulated to protect the rights of migrants.

Presiding over the ceremony the secretary, culture, sports and tourism, Khalid Latif, said to coup with rapidly increasing multiculturalism, the government was reviewing its policies at local, national and international level.

Khalid said Pakistan has been hosting refugees, firstly at the time of independence, secondly after Soviet invasion in Afghanistan and after Afghan crisis which creates a diversity in its culture.

He appreciated the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) and International Labour Organization (ILO) for providing their services in accommodating migrants.

The IPRI president Prof Dr Perveiz Iqbal Cheema speaking on the occasion said a collective effort contributed by government, NGO’s and civil society organizations is essential to formulate an adequate infrastructure for multiculturalism.

He said Pakistan is far behind to portray the concept of multiculturalism as compared to its global impact. It should be part of syllabi and much more research must be conducted on it, he concluded.

The ILO country director Johannis Lokkolo also spoke on the occasion.—APP