Islamabad (GNP): The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly convened today at Parliament House, chaired by Hina Rabbani Khar, MNA, to discuss a broad range of topics including migration issues, diplomatic relations, internal reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
A comprehensive presentation was made regarding the special regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants, particularly focusing on Pakistani nationals living in Spain.
The Committee called the initiative a major opportunity for Pakistanis residing and working in Spain, and stressed the need to encourage safe and legal migration channels rather than the unsafe and perilous routes used by human trafficking organizations.
The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the proactive efforts of the Hon. Chairperson in promoting discussions on legal migration pathways to Europe and expressed appreciation for her continued work in maintaining the migration topic at both institutional and diplomatic levels.
The Foreign Secretary and MOFA officials provided an update on the extensive measures taken in collaboration with Pakistani embassies and consulates abroad, the National Police Bureau, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant bodies to ensure the prompt issuance of police clearance certificates, passports, visas, and other necessary documents.
It was highlighted that thousands of Pakistanis had benefited from these facilitation efforts, with special arrangements made to expedite documentation processes.
The Chairperson noted that the tightening migration environment in Europe requires Pakistan to take proactive steps to secure lawful economic opportunities for its citizens abroad.
She commended the leadership of the Government of Spain in creating legal channels for migrant regularisation and pointed out that such initiatives can help protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while integrating them into the formal economy.
Members of the Committee also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns across the country to discourage illegal migration and inform citizens about legal migration options and procedures. They expressed concerns about human smuggling networks and the dangers associated with irregular migration routes to Europe.
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The Committee also addressed matters related to diplomatic postings and transfer policies within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Secretary outlined the principles guiding these postings, institutional requirements, tenure security, and the operational challenges faced by the Ministry in managing diplomatic assignments. The Committee emphasized the importance of merit, professionalism, and institutional continuity for appointments requiring specialized expertise. Additionally, the Committee received a briefing on the training of MOFA officers and staff.
The Chairperson highlighted the need to invest in the future of diplomats through exposure to globally recognized training institutions and modern diplomatic capacity-building programs to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign service.
The meeting was attended by Farah Naz Akbar, MNA; Danyal Chaudhary, MNA; Syed Mustafa Mehmood, MNA; Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, MNA; Muhammad Khan Daha, MNA; and Shazia Marri, MNA, who joined virtually.
The Foreign Secretary, along with other senior officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also participated in the meeting.
