Islamabad, The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, led by Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, convened for a second day at the Parliament House. The meeting focused on addressing the challenges faced by Overseas Pakistani workers and exploring training and certification opportunities to enhance their employment prospects.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session included discussions with Senior Officials from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), who acknowledged the importance of the committee’s efforts. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, the convener, emphasized the need for the EAD to commit to training and certifying Pakistani workers, particularly in light of new employment requirements in several Gulf countries post-2025.

The Additional Secretary of EAD assured the committee of full support in collaborating with relevant ministries and departments to improve training facilities. Senator Zuberi stressed the goal of integrating training facilities of Public Sector Organizations into a centralized system, making them accessible to all workers.

The afternoon session involved officials from the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Ministry of Science and Technology, National University of Technology (NUTEC), and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF). The committee delved into job opportunities for Pakistani citizens abroad, including training in prominent organizations and public sector refineries, and strategies to address unemployment.

Senator Zuberi also highlighted the issue of exploitation faced by Pakistani workers abroad and the need to diminish language barriers. The Ministry proposed the introduction of language learning programs to enhance workers’ abilities to leverage their skills internationally. The committee unanimously agreed to prioritize language learning and integrate it into the curriculum.

Senator Zuberi expressed a commitment to enhancing the skills of the youth to overcome unemployment barriers and recommended that the ministry provide written documentation of research and development processes and insights into skill acquisition for the committee’s review.

The meeting represents a significant step in addressing the needs and improving the prospects of Overseas Pakistani workers, reflecting the Senate committee’s dedication to enhancing their well-being and employment opportunities.