ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held a meeting at Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Hina Rabbani Khar, where members discussed a range of important issues, including the promotion of legal migration, measures to combat human smuggling, diplomatic reforms, and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
During the meeting, the committee described Spain’s recently introduced regularization scheme as a significant opportunity for Pakistani nationals residing in the country without legal documentation.
In this regard, the members noted that the initiative could provide legal status to undocumented Pakistanis and improve their access to employment, social services, and legal protection.
The committee directed the government to play an active role in ensuring that eligible Pakistanis are able to benefit from the scheme.
The committee focused on the importance of promoting safe and legal migration channels while discouraging irregular migration. It also recommended the launch of an effective public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the risks associated with human smuggling networks and illegal migration routes.
They informed members that thousands of Pakistanis had been assisted in obtaining necessary documents and that special measures had been introduced to streamline the issuance of passports, police clearance certificates, and visas.
She welcomed Spain’s regularization policy, stating that it could provide much-needed legal protection and stability to members of the Pakistani community living in the country.
The committee also received a briefing on policies governing diplomatic postings and transfers. Discussions focused on ensuring merit, professional competence, and continuity in diplomatic assignments.
The meeting also reviewed matters related to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and broader diplomatic reforms. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening institutional coordination to improve service delivery, enhance diplomatic performance, and better address the needs of Pakistani citizens living abroad.
