Islamabad: A proactive approach is being adopted by the government to expand agreements with European Union nations for the export of skilled labor, the National Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development Chaudhary Salik Hussain reported that approximately 1.3 million citizens have secured employment abroad over the past three years, emphasizing the government’s focus on enhancing youth skill development.
In related developments, Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Darshan proposed a new sewerage treatment plant for the Federal Capital, aimed at treating wastewater before it contaminates Rawal Lake. He noted issues with unplanned development along the Korang River, contributing to pollution in Rawal Dam. Wetlands have been established to mitigate contamination, and water undergoes treatment by the Small Dam Organization before being supplied to Rawalpindi.
Legislative activities in the House saw the passage of “The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill, 2024.” New bills introduced include “The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” and “The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024,” which were forwarded to the respective Standing Committees. Additionally, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, was presented.
On the health front, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Service Nelson Azeem highlighted a decrease in polio cases due to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts. No new cases have been reported this year, following extensive awareness and vaccination campaigns.
Addressing energy concerns, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Division Aamir Talal Khan stated that 70% of K-Electric’s 2,100 feeders are free from loadshedding. He detailed that 282 of 295 mixed feeders, serving both domestic and commercial users, face no power cuts, with loadshedding occurring only in areas with high line losses and theft.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present during the session, which is scheduled to reconvene at 2 p.m. on Thursday.