DLP Report
ISLAMABAD
Aimal Wali Khan has submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate, seeking a debate on the reported large-scale deportation of Pakistani workers from Saudi Arabia and calling for suspension of routine proceedings to discuss the issue.
The motion, moved by the central president of the Awami National Party, states that a significant number of Pakistani workers residing in Saudi Arabia are being sent back in recent days, terming the situation alarming.
It notes that many of the affected individuals possessed valid visas and had fulfilled all legal and documentary requirements, yet were being repatriated. The senator pointed out that these workers were not only supporting their families but also contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy.
The motion highlights that overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, remit valuable foreign exchange, which serves as a backbone for the national economy. Their sudden and large-scale return, it adds, is creating financial hardships for their families and could adversely affect the country’s economic stability.
Mr Khan questioned the basis on which legally residing workers were being deported and sought details of diplomatic efforts being made by the government to address the issue. He warned that the situation was creating an impression that measures to safeguard the rights of Pakistanis abroad were inadequate.
The adjournment motion calls on the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and to engage Saudi authorities immediately through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.
It also demands protection of the rights of Pakistani workers holding valid visas, along with immediate relief, employment opportunities and rehabilitation measures for those returning. The motion further seeks a detailed briefing to the Senate on the matter.
The senator emphasised that the issue affected the livelihoods of millions of families and had significant implications for the national economy, urging that it be taken up for urgent discussion by suspending routine proceedings of the House.
