Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, convened today at Parliament House to address significant issues concerning Pakistanis imprisoned abroad and the performance of key foreign policy institutions.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee expressed significant concerns over the non-appearance of heads from the Foreign Services Academy (FSA), Institute for Regional Studies (IRS), and the Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS). Members criticized their absence and emphasized the importance of accountability to Parliament, which they declared as the supreme institution of governance. Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui demanded an explanation for their absence and underscored the need for their presence in future meetings to discuss performance issues thoroughly.
The committee also focused heavily on the plight of Pakistanis incarcerated in foreign jails. Despite repeated requests, comprehensive details about the prisoners, including their names, the nature of their crimes, and the duration of their sentences, were not fully disclosed, which drew criticism from the committee members. There are reportedly 29,065 Pakistanis imprisoned across 87 countries, with the majority in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Concerns were raised about the lack of effective diplomatic measures to support these individuals, with suggestions for establishing a dedicated desk to handle their cases and maintain contact with their families.
Senators Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Sherry Rehman stressed the need for the Foreign Ministry to enhance efforts to secure the release of these citizens, especially those detained for minor offenses, and to ensure that Pakistani missions abroad are proactive in defending their rights.
The committee resolved to postpone further briefings until the next meeting, insisting on full participation from relevant institution heads and more detailed information on incarcerated Pakistanis. They also discussed enhancing communication with foreign governments, particularly with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to improve consular support and facilitate the reunification of prisoners with their families in Pakistan.