ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Ehsan Ul Haq Bajwa informed National Assembly that government has sent 860,000 Pakistanis abroad in 2023 for employment.

In response to calling attention notice regarding involvement of individuals travelling abroad through agents or mafias and engaging in begging activities, particularly in Gulf countries, which tarnishes Pakistan's image, he assured that individuals sent abroad under Ministry's programmes are thoroughly vetted. Selection process adheres to strict criteria, ensuring that only qualified candidates are chosen and minimising possibility of their involvement in begging, he added. He said that there is ongoing communication between Ministry, relevant authorities and embassies. To date, no institution has reported data suggesting otherwise, he added. He explained that Ministry is responsible solely for sending individuals abroad who meet legal requirements and have no connection with those traveling for purposes such as umrah, student visas, visits or pilgrimages.

Highlighting economic contribution of overseas Pakistanis, he said that they contribute $ 30 billion annually to country's economy and are considered valuable asset. He assured assembly that robust legal framework exists for sending Pakistanis abroad for employment, making it unlikely for them to be involved in begging activities.