Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Monday was informed that measures have been taken for the release of Pakistani Imprisoned in foreign jails. The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, which met today in parliament house was further told that an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) exists in Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider cases of Overseas Pakistani Prisoners for legal assistance. Further on the directions of the Prime Minister’s Office, a “National Policy to provide relief to Pakistani prisoners abroad” is also underway.
The Public Petition PP 4062, submitted by All Pakistani overseas organization was discussed. On the point of reconstitution of Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Counsil (OPAC) it was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to expedite nominations of Prominent overseas Pakistanis through Pakistan Missions abroad as members of Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Council (OPAC) from countries of their accreditation along with reconfirmation of nominations already forwarded by Missions abroad for their availability as members of the OPAC.
The committee was informed that the Government of Pakistan through Ministry of Finance and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched incentive programs to encourage foreign exchange remittances from overseas Pakistani along with protection mechanism for incentives. It was also informed that on the Sohni Dharti Remittance incentive program rewards points are offered on remittances to avail exciting privileges through participants Public Sector Departments.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Manzoor Ahmad Kakar here at Old Pips Hall, Islamabad.
The Committee was briefed by the Chairman, Employees Old Age Benefits institution (EOBI) on the functions and performance of the EOBI over past 10 years.
