**Senate Committee Criticizes Lack of Support for Pakistani Prisoners Abroad, Calls for Better Data and Welfare Measures**
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Pakistani nationals imprisoned in foreign countries and criticized government officials for failing to provide comprehensive information and adequate welfare services to these individuals.
During a meeting at Parliament House, Senator Khanzada highlighted alarming statistics provided by the ministry, revealing that over 10,000 Pakistanis are currently incarcerated in Saudi Arabia, with significant numbers also detained in countries such as the United Arab Emirates (5,297), India (738), Oman (578), Greece (598), Malaysia (463), Qatar (422), and China (417). He noted that the data reflects ongoing ministry efforts to secure the repatriation of these prisoners. Officials informed the Committee that Prisoner Repatriation Agreements have been finalized with 11 countries, and negotiations are underway with 15 more.
The Committee urged the ministry to supply detailed profiles of incarcerated Pakistanis to better understand the circumstances and offenses involved. Questions were also raised regarding the support provided to prisoners, particularly by Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs). Senator Kazim Ali Shah drew attention to the lack of welfare services for prisoners from Sindh province, prompting the Committee to recommend a quarterly review of CWA performance and the hiring of local diaspora members to improve outreach and welfare delivery.
The Committee also reviewed the effectiveness of Special Courts established to support Overseas Pakistanis. While ministry officials reported that Punjab has enacted enabling legislation, Senator Shahadat Awan pointed out that there is still no data regarding cases processed and no proper facility for recording evidence. The Committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report on Overseas Pakistani cases pending in courts within one month.
Additionally, the Committee was briefed on recent initiatives to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis. Officials announced the implementation of a 5% quota for Overseas Pakistanis in educational institutions, made possible through collaboration with the Higher Education Commission and other academic bodies. The Ministry is also launching a pilot project at the Pakistani Embassy in London, in partnership with the Punjab Land Record Authority, to assist Overseas Pakistanis in resolving property disputes—a facility the Committee recommended expanding to the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The meeting was attended by Senators Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Gurdeep Singh, Shahadat Awan, Khalida Ateeb, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, along with senior officials from relevant departments.
