ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, convened at Parliament Lodges to discuss consular services for Pakistanis imprisoned abroad, focusing on Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Oman. The meeting highlighted ongoing collaborations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Community Welfare Attachés.

According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, the Director General of MoFA briefed the committee on agreements with 11 countries, including the UAE and China, to transfer prisoners back to Pakistan. Senator Khanzada urged the Community Welfare Attachés to ensure legal representation and translation services for detainees and instructed authorities to expedite prisoner transfer agreements.

The committee requested a report on Pakistanis jailed abroad due to unpaid fines. In Saudi Arabia, 900 prisoners were interviewed, with 400 verified for transfer. Senator Faisal Vawda offered support for vulnerable detainees, advocating for pardons. The committee was informed about 5,000 Pakistanis detained in the West Bank, mainly for drug offenses.

The committee recommended the procurement of biometric machines for Community Welfare Attachés to aid detainees in renewing documents. In Oman, pardons are granted on national holidays. A report on funds used for paying detainees’ fines was requested.

Issues faced by Pakistani Zaireen in Iraq were also discussed, with Senator Khanzada proposing Senator Raja Nasir Abbas as a focal person to address passport confiscation concerns. The meeting included participation from several senators and officials.