ISLAMABAD: A National Assembly committee urged the Overseas Pakistanis Foun­d­ation (OPF) on Friday to evolve a mechanism to protect Pakistanis in Gulf countries in case of any untoward situation.

The NA Standing Commi­ttee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, at a meeting held at the OPF headquarters, praised the foundation’s efforts in timely repatriation of Pakistanis from Yemen.

It asked the OPF to evolve a mechanism to cope with any untoward situation and protect Pakistanis residing in member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

NA committee praises Yemen repatriation operation

The meeting was chaired by Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi and attended by federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Develo­pment Pir Syed Saddaruddin Shah Rashdi, members Rana Afzal Khan, Chaudhry Abid Raza, Syed Sajid Mehdi, Mian Najee­buddin Awaisi, Mian Imtiaz Ahmad, Sabiha Nazir, Shakila Khalid Luqman, Musarat Rafique Mahesar, Sheikh Salahuddin, Aliya Kam­­ran, federal Secretary Sikandar Ismail Khan and OPF Managing Director Habibur Rehman Khan.

It was informed that more than 100 Pakistanis were still residing in Yemen willingly, while 11 others were languishing in the country’s jails.

The committee recommended that appreciation letters should be written to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s ambassador in Yemen, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the navy and the OPF for their services in the evacuation.

It reviewed a progress report regarding the relief operation of the OPF for safe and timely repatriation of the people returning from Yemen. The members praised the efforts of the OPF and expressed satisfaction on provision of facilities to the evacuated people.

The committee was informed that 1,037 Pakistanis had returned by special flights and naval ships and 605 had been facilitated by the OPF at the Islamabad and Karachi airports and port. The foundation provided free transport and fare to reach their homes in Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Jhang, Mansehra, Layyah and other places.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2015

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