Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Thursday was informed that Britain’s exit from the EU was not likely to have any significant impact on Pakistan’s ties with both the UK and the EU.

During question hour, the house was informed that Pakistan’s overall relations with the UK and the EU were based on sound footing and have been institutionalised. Following Britain’s exit from the EU, Pakistan would be negotiating new trading arrangements with the UK in order to consolidate the bilateral trade and investment relations. Pakistan was likely to benefit from the new opportunities arising due to its deep trade and economic relations with the UK. Uncertainty in Europe and a decline in the value of the pound could affect Pakistan’s exports to the EU and the UK in the short term. However, the Ministry of Commerce was encouraging exporters to improve their competitive position.

During the referendum, the Brexit camp had announced a point based system as applicable in Australia and other popular immigrant destinations as part of their immigration policy. If implemented by the new government, opportunities would be created for skilled and educated Pakistanis to come and work in the UK. Pakistanis was also likely to benefit from greater employment opportunities in the UK, specifically in the health sector, as it would become difficult for nationals of other EU counties to get jobs in the country, the foreign ministry maintained.

In another question, the house was informed a large number of Pakistanis were deported from GCC countries, primarily on charges of illegal entry and overstay. In most cases, expenditure on deportation of these Pakistanis was incurred by the host government of the respective GCC country.

In some cases, deportation costs were also borne by the next of kin of the deportees. In a few cases, the local Pakistani community also collects funds for deportation costs. In case of destitute Pakistanis and detainees/prisoners released after completion of their sentences, the concerned diplomatic mission, after obtaining the Ministry’s prior approval, incurs the expenditure on their repatriation from the Pakistan Community Welfare and Education Fund (PCW&EF).

In accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deportation, finalised by the Ministry of Interior, all Pakistani missions abroad were required to ascertain and confirm the nationality of the intended deportee and issue the requisite travel document. Furthermore, all Pakistani Missions abroad were required to convey advance information about the particulars and travel itinerary of the intended deportee to the Ministry of Interior. Federal Minister for parliamentary affairs Sheikh Aftab informed the Senate Lawari Tunnel project would be completed by June 2017.