SAFER Project Hosts Migration Awareness Event in Barakahu, Islamabad

On July 1, 2024, Digital Time Communications organized the 12th SAFER project event at Alhamd Islamic University’s Community Auditorium in Barakahu, Islamabad. The event aimed to raise awareness among young, single men (aged 18-30) about the risks of irregular migration and to inform them of local career and development opportunities in Pakistan.

Key Highlights:

• Participants & Expert Input: Around 50 participants attended, actively engaging with speakers. Migration expert Mr. Zain ul Abideen discussed the risks of irregular migration, including financial, legal, and safety challenges. He highlighted safer, lawful migration options and local development programs. Mr. Allah Ditta, a diaspora member from Germany, shared firsthand insights on the challenges Pakistanis face abroad and emphasized the importance of legal migration.
• Youth Engagement: Participants were eager to learn about skill-building resources, including vocational centers and business incubation hubs, that could help them succeed in Pakistan and prepare for future opportunities. They engaged enthusiastically with the speakers, raising questions about migration processes, skill development, and support networks.
• Community Involvement & Outreach: The outreach strategy included collaboration with local educational and vocational institutions, distribution of printed invitations, and use of social, print, and broadcast media to reach diverse audiences from both rural and urban areas.

The event also included an entertainment session reliving memorable moments from Pakistan’s cricket history, evoking a sense of national pride. Attendees enjoyed a lunch of Biryani and beverages, concluding a well-received event focused on informed, lawful migration choices.

Participant Feedback & Recommendations: Attendees appreciated the session's comprehensive insights, with many expressing renewed interest in exploring legal migration options and opportunities within Pakistan. Based on positive feedback, organizers recommended increasing rural outreach, frequent events, and using media influencers to reach more young people across the country.

Conclusion: The Barakahu event succeeded in raising awareness of irregular migration risks, highlighting local alternatives, and encouraging responsible migration choices, with comprehensive documentation to support ongoing and future outreach efforts.