I hope you are in good health. Previously, I as an Islamic scholar Mufti Abdul Wahab have written about the issue of illegal migration of Pakistani youth to Europe, a topic that has garnered widespread attention. People often read these writings and share their opinions through comments, sometimes including negative remarks, which can be surprising.
My insights are drawn from personal experiences and observations during my recent travels to Turkey and encounters with Pakistanis in Europe. It appears that our nation has become somewhat desensitized to the gravity of certain issues.
I've previously addressed the distressing incident in which hundreds of lives were lost during an illegal migration attempt. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has declared a day of mourning, but it feels as though Pakistan remains in a perpetual state of mourning, with its people aspiring to migrate abroad due to unfavorable conditions at home. Many Pakistanis are willing to endure hardships and dangers to pursue this path.
Although conditions in Europe and other countries may not be ideal, it seems that a growing number of Pakistanis are contemplating leaving their homeland. While some opt for legal migration, many choose illegal means, a subject I've consistently highlighted in my previous writings
People who embark on these perilous journeys live in deplorable conditions and often face dire circumstances. When a country fails to provide its citizens with a dignified life, it compels them to seek better opportunities elsewhere, even if it means spending significant sums, sometimes up to 2.5 million rupees.
International news reveals that countries hosting illegal immigrants are grappling with their own challenges and are increasingly pushing for their removal. A humanitarian crisis has emerged, affecting countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
I find myself pondering the actions of the Pakistani government in response to these situations. Do they not know how these individuals leave the country? How do those Pakistanis attempting to reach Europe through Turkey or Libya or other routes manage to exit the country, and who guides them? Why has the government not taken decisive action against these networks? Heart-wrenching videos of mothers and sisters pleading for the return of their loved ones emphasize the desperate situation. Why are these young people, often in their early twenties, risking their lives when there seems to be no hope?
My appeal to our youth is to value their own lives and the lives of their families. It is preferable to lead a modest life, start a small business, or work diligently in any field, rather than jeopardizing their lives through illegal means. Sustenance is bestowed by Allah, and with His grace, better days will come.
I am disheartened by the indifference of Pakistan's elite class and those in positions of authority who seem to disregard the welfare of the nation. The judiciary, establishment, politicians, and bureaucracy appear unresponsive. It is the children of the less fortunate who pay the price, driven by dreams of improving their families' circumstances, while the children of the elite enjoy their lives in Europe, seemingly unaffected
The truth is that my heart aches, and I am overwhelmed with sadness, regret, and anger. It appears that our role has been reduced to reciting eulogies.
May Allah have mercy on the youth of our country and protect
them. Ameen.