uman migration is a key aspect of our history as a species. Since the emergence of homo sapiens in Africa around 300,000 years ago, humans have migrated to other parts of the world in search of food, shelter and other resources, shaping human societies, cultures and interactions with the environment.

One of the earliest known human migrations took place around 70,000 years ago, when a group of humans left Africa. This migration was likely driven by changes in climate and the availability of resources, as well as the development of new technologies such as boats, which allowed humans to travel across oceans and seas.

Migration has led to the spread of ideas, technologies and cultures across different regions. However, migration has also led to conflicts and tensions between various groups of people. The displacement of indigenous populations in the Americas and the forced migration of African slaves are just two examples of the negative consequences of human migration.

Migration is a significant aspect of Pakistan’s history and culture. The country has experienced both internal and external migration throughout its history, which has shaped society, culture, and economy of the country.

One of the most significant migrations was the migration of Muslims to Pakistan during the Partition in 1947. Since then, migration from and in Pakistan continues to evolve in response to a range of economic, political and social factors. While Gulf countries remain a popular destination for employment opportunities, migration to Europe and North America is also on the rise in search of better opportunities and standards of living. In the 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan also witnessed significant migration of Afghan refugees following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. These refugees settled in various parts of Pakistan and have since become an integral part of the country’s social fabric.

Internal migration within Pakistan has been primarily driven by economic factors. People from rural areas migrate to cities in search of better job opportunities, leading to the growth of urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Migration has also led to numerous challenges for Pakistan. Brain drain has had a significant impact on the country’s development. It has resulted in a loss of human capital, as skilled individuals who could have contributed to the country’s development are now working in other countries. This has led to a lack of innovation and technological advancements in Pakistan.

Migration is a complex phenomenon with various underlying factors that push individuals and families to leave their homes and settle in other countries. One of the primary reasons for migration from Pakistan is economic opportunities. This is often driven by poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities for economic growth in their home region. Another reason is the pursuit of education and career opportunities.

Pakistan has faced political instability and conflict for several decades, which have also led to the displacement of people and forced migration. Apart from this, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and droughts. These disasters displace people. Climate change is also increasingly becoming a factor in migration, as rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten the livelihoods and homes of people in vulnerable areas.

Family reunification is a common reason for migration to countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia.

Migration can also present numerous challenges for migrants, their families and the countries they settle in. Migrants may face legal challenges related to obtaining visas, work permits and residency status in the countries they migrate to. This can be a lengthy and complicated process. Challenges related to cultural adaptation, including language barriers and social norms, can be particularly difficult for those who migrate to countries with vastly different cultural backgrounds.

Migrants may face financial challenges related to the cost of migration, including visa fee, travel expenses and resettlement costs. They may also be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including trafficking, forced labour and sexual exploitation, particularly for undocumented migrants and those with limited language skills.

On the emotional front, feelings of loneliness and isolation due to separation from family and loved ones left behind in Pakistan can impact their mental health and well-being. Integration into new communities that migrants settle in can be difficult in relation to finding employment, accessing education and social services and building social networks. Discrimination and racism in the countries they migrate to can also impact their ability to integrate in societies.

There is also an increasingly negative attitude towards immigrants and immigration in some countries or societies. This sentiment can manifest in various forms, such as discrimination, prejudice, hostility and violence towards immigrants.

There are several reasons why anti-immigration sentiment is on the rise. One reason can be economic, where people believe that immigrants are taking away jobs from citizens or contributing to wage stagnation. Another reason may be cultural, where people feel that immigrants are not integrating into the society or are not sharing the same values and traditions. There may also be concerns around national security and crime, with some people believing that immigrants may pose a threat to public safety.

The consequences of growing anti-immigration sentiment can be significant. It can lead to the stigmatisation and exclusion of immigrants, causing them to feel unwelcome and isolated in the society. It can also lead to policies and practices that restrict immigration and make it more difficult for immigrants to integrate and contribute to the society. Furthermore, it can fuel social tensions and conflicts, leading to a breakdown in social cohesion and a rise in hate crime.

The irony of anti-immigration sentiment is that it often overlooks or fails to acknowledge the contributions that immigrants make to the society. Many immigrants come to a new country to pursue better opportunities, to escape conflict or persecution or to reunite with family members. They bring with them diverse cultures, skills and experiences that enrich the social fabric of the society and contribute to its economic growth.

Anti-immigration sentiment often paints immigrants as a ‘burden’ on the society, taking away jobs and resources from citizens. This ignores the fact that immigrants also contribute to the economy by paying taxes, starting businesses and filling labour shortages in certain industries. Moreover, studies have shown that immigrants are not a drain on the economy but rather a net positive, as they contribute more in taxes than they receive in government benefits.

A cursory glance at the phenomenon often overlooks the historical and cultural roots of societies. Many societies have been shaped by migration and cultural exchange, and their diversity and richness are a result of this history. For example, the United States was founded by immigrants, and its culture and identity have been shaped by waves of immigration over the centuries. The same can be said of many other countries around the world.

It is important to address the underlying reasons for growing anti-immigration sentiment and to promote a more positive and inclusive attitude towards immigrants. This can be done through education and awareness-raising campaigns, promoting intercultural dialogue and exchange, and implementing policies that support the integration of immigrants into the society. Ultimately, a more welcoming and inclusive society benefits not only immigrants but also the wider community.

The writer, a published anthropologist, teaches at the International Islamic University, Islamabad