78 Pakistanis in Saudi jails for carrying Naswar, Paan
It was revealed by Foreign Ministry in Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis session in NA
ISLAMABAD (Daily Dunya) – National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis has recommended an end to National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) for workers in Gulf countries.
A resolution was passed in this respect during the session which was sent to Foreign Ministry in seconds while the institute of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was slammed afterwards.
The committee session took place in National Assembly and was presided by MNA Ayesha Syed. All members were in favor of putting an end to the NICOP card while considering the problems of Pakistanis in overseas. Issues of Pakistani people living outside the country especially Gulf region were addressed in the briefing conducted by Foreign Ministry.
NADRA was slammed during the proceedings and corruption was highlighted. Also, notice was taken against the usage of Turkey as a gateway to Europe by certain Pakistani nationals.
Officials told that 78 Pakistanis were jailed in Saudi Arabia for illegally carrying Naswar and Paan. These people have been jailed for two months. The ignorance of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development and airport staff was highlighted in this respect and it was stated that why aren’t these laymen guided?
Foreign Ministry stated that the government has asked Saudi officials to facilitate Pakistanis to which they replied that they are ready to facilitate but Pakistanis are themselves a hurdle. It was told that Saudi officials have complained about a beggars group in Medina city.
A crackdown has begin against these beggars which has led to arrests of over 18 Pakistani people.
