Upper Dir  -  A two-day seminar was held in Upper Dir organised by the International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA), raised awareness on the dangers of illegal migration and promoted legal pathways for overseas employment. The event gathered students, professionals, and civil society members to discuss the psychological, legal, and social consequences of undocumented migration.

While sharing personal experiences, a young speaker who had previously attempted illegal migration described the physical dangers, emotional trauma, and long-term setbacks of such journeys. His account was followed by detailed discussions led by IRARA Programme Manager Yasir Ali, psychiatrist Dr Shahzad Ahmad, and social organiser Hanif, who collectively addressed the mental stress and exploitation faced by undocumented migrants.

Meanwhile, Dr Shahzad Ahmad drew attention to the psychological toll faced by deported individuals, particularly the shame, anxiety, and social alienation they experience upon return. He stressed the importance of mental health support as part of reintegration.

At the same time, Yasir Ali outlined IRARA’s efforts to support returnees, including vocational training, small business grants, and language instruction designed to help deported migrants re-enter the job market legally and sustainably. “We aim to reintegrate individuals with dignity while equipping them to build a stable future through legitimate means,” he said.

Hanif, a community organiser, urged the youth to verify recruitment offers and avoid falling prey to human smugglers. He highlighted how misinformation, desperation, and peer pressure often push individuals into making life-altering decisions without understanding the consequences.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session, during which participants discussed legal migration frameworks, available counselling support, and vocational resources.

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical insights and called for more outreach events at the community level.

While the region continues to see interest in overseas opportunities, organisers underscored the importance of structured awareness to prevent unsafe migration. The seminar closed with a renewed call for collaborative efforts among families, educators, and policymakers to guide young people toward secure and lawful paths to international employment.