Islamabad: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development convened at Parliament House, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, addressed several pressing issues despite the notable absence of key officials. The meeting aimed to discuss initiatives to attract investments from overseas Pakistanis and enhance job opportunities for migrant workers.

Senator Khanzada opened the session by questioning the absence of the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and the Federal Secretary, whose attendance was deemed essential to discuss policy measures. The committee was set to evaluate the Ministry’s proposal to extend the Sehat Card facility to migrant workers and review the outcomes of the Overseas Pakistanis convention organized by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. Additionally, the session was to address the backlog of litigation involving the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

Senators Shahadat Awan, Zameer Hussain Ghumro, and Gurdeep Singh expressed concerns over the unannounced absence of the Minister, noting that this meeting followed a two-month hiatus and the previous session had been postponed at the Ministry’s request. The Senators highlighted their commitment, traveling from remote areas to attend, and criticized the lack of respect shown by the absence of key officials, terming it a breach of Senate privilege.

In response to the Senators’ requests, Senator Khanzada deferred the agenda consideration until the first week of May 2025. He instructed that the sentiments of the Committee be communicated to the Minister and Federal Secretary, emphasizing the need for their presence and comprehensive data in the forthcoming meeting.