Daily Times

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, on Thursday, has said that the well-being of the overseas Pakistanis, especially those employed as workmen and labourers is a top priority of the government.

Presiding over a briefing of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development Division in Islamabad, the premier said that labourers working abroad are the precious asset of the country.

The Prime Minister further directed the ministry to evolve a strategy for maximum utilization of job opportunities in the Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting, the premier constituted a committee headed by the Special Assistant to PM, Zulfiqar Bukhari, which will present its recommendations for the resolution of issues being faced by the overseas Pakistanis. The committee, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), would also determine the process for sending foreign remittances by the overseas Pakistanis, so that remittances could be legally transmitted to the country.

The premier also directed the officials for the appointment of Board of Governors in the Ministry concerned and its attached departments on the basis of merit and professionalism. He also directed the officials of the ministry for ensuring strict safety measures for the workmen and labourers working in the industrial units.

The meeting also decided in principle to shift the Community Welfare Attaches deputed in Pakistani embassies to those countries abroad where population of overseas Pakistanis is concentrated.

Published in Daily Times, September 12^th 2018.