Islamabad : The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development convened at the Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Engr Rukhsana Zuberi accompanied by Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt and Senator Zeeshan Khanzada. The primary focus of the meeting centered on a comprehensive discussion of the challenges encountered by Overseas Pakistani workers across various countries.
During the morning session, an overview of initiatives by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) was presented, highlighting efforts such as the establishment of schools and the provision of preferential admission and scholarships for the children of overseas Pakistanis. The Bureau of Immigration shared insights into the recruitment pipeline, emphasizing strict adherence to immigration rules.
The committee requested a comprehensive five-year data breakdown by country and skill for trend analysis and strategic planning, including insights into Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements within Letters of Intent (LOIs). Information on government initiatives addressing non-issuance of UAE work visas to Pakistanis and a brief understanding of the G2G approval process for international labor agreements were sought for transparency.
The committee also formulated recommendations, including the proposal to discontinue the term “export” when referring to overseas Pakistani workers and to replace “Tarkeen-e-Watan” with “Yaran-e-Watan” in government documentation.
The evening session featured briefings from the Ministry of Communication, shedding light on its affiliated Departments, such as the Construction Technology Training Institute (CTTI) and the National Transport Research Centre (NTRC). Discussions revolved around available training programs and facilities, with the committee urging an augmentation of capacity and training to enhance the skills of Pakistanis working abroad.
The Cabinet Division provided a comprehensive briefing on the criteria, procedures, and nomination benchmarks for National Civil Awards. In response, the committee proposed the inclusion of an “Investors in People” award category, recognizing organizations and individuals involved in worker training and certification.
