The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, has shed light on the challenges faced by Pakistani nationals living and working abroad, particularly in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In its latest session, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that between 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis are residing in Iraq illegally, while only 8,000 are employed through legal channels. Pakistani workers in Iraq, earning just $300 to $400 monthly, face severe mistreatment, including physical abuse and the confiscation of passports upon arrival. The Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis confirmed these troubling conditions during the meeting.

Furthermore, 44 Pakistani agents are reportedly imprisoned in Iraq on human trafficking charges. The Bureau of Immigration clarified that the primary issues stem from those living illegally in the country. To address these concerns, the committee referred the matter to the Federal Cabinet for further action.

The meeting also discussed the UAE visa restrictions affecting Pakistani citizens. In a closed-door session, the committee instructed relevant authorities to take urgent steps to lift the visa ban. It recommended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engage directly with the UAE government to resolve the issue, emphasizing the need to take the Prime Minister into confidence if necessary.

The committee's discussions highlight the ongoing struggles of Pakistani expatriates and underscore the urgency of coordinated efforts to address their grievances.