Latest news with #MinistryofOverseasPakistanisandHumanResourceDevelopment
Muscat Daily
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Pakistan honours its citizen in Oman for social service
Muscat – A Pakistani social worker based in Oman has been recognised by the government of Pakistan for years of quiet service supporting expatriates in distress – work he continues without an official title or organisational backing. Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari, originally from Pakistan, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, an agency under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The certificate acknowledges his commitment to assisting destitute expatriates, particularly those caught in legal or financial crises within Oman's prison system. Over the years, Bukhari has helped repatriate more than 150 prisoners, including not only Pakistanis but also nationals of Bangladesh and Afghanistan. He also coordinates the return of deceased expatriates and runs a small wheelchair distribution initiative for the differently-abled. His efforts are self-managed, with no formal structure or fundraising mechanism. 'This honour means a lot, not just for me, but for every volunteer and well-wisher who stands up for those who have no voice,' Bukhari said. 'Helping prisoners and the needy is not just a social responsibility – it is a spiritual duty.' He credits the Pakistani embassy in Muscat and the broader expatriate community for their continued support. 'No humanitarian effort succeeds in isolation. It's always a team effort, driven by compassion and backed by belief,' he said. His repatriation work involves close coordination with legal teams and community members. In cases involving prisoners, the cost of return tickets is channelled through a local travel agency, Travel House, to ensure transparency. The certificate, issued by the chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, is not the first recognition for Bukhari. He has also received the American Red Cross Life Saving Award, appreciation letters from governors in Pakistan, and the Outstanding Citizen of Pakistan Award. His work has been officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development. Still, Bukhari says he draws strength not from awards, but from the people he helps. 'I may be doing this as a one-man show, but I never feel alone. The prayers and trust of the community are my strength,' he said.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt taps EU demand for skilled labour
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was informed on Thursday that Europe was projected to require 450 million skilled workers over the coming years, and Pakistan is moving to position its workforce to meet the demand. Similarly, a labour agreement has already been signed between Italy and Pakistan, while a similar deal with Belarus is expected soon. During the session, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Dr Arshad Mahmood, told the committee that Belarus required approximately 150,000 skilled workers. Efforts are being made to send as many Pakistani workers there as possible, he added. Dr Mahmood further stated that Europe demands skilled labour, and Pakistan has initiated six-month specialised training programmes at five universities, including NUST, aimed at ensuring confirmed employment opportunities abroad upon completion. He revealed that Italy's interior minister visited Pakistan a day earlier and formally signed a bilateral agreement to recruit skilled labour from Pakistan. CEO Sehat Sahulat Programme Muhammad Arshad informed the committee that all Pakistani citizens were entitled to free medical treatment under the programme. For further details, he added, citizens can send their CNIC number to 8500 to access information about affiliated hospitals and other services. Separately, the director general of the Foreign Office briefed the committee that Pakistan has signed prisoner exchange agreements with eight countries, under which 185 convicted individuals have been repatriated.
Express Tribune
02-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Reintegration project for returnees launched
The government, through the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, has formally launched the Sustainable Reintegration of Returnees and Improved Migration Management project, known as R&R Pakistan. Funded by the European Union in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the initiative aims to enhance the socio-economic reintegration of Pakistani returnees while developing rights-based, gender-responsive reintegration policies and processes. Moreover, it aims to create better opportunities for the sustainable reintegration of returnees.
Express Tribune
20-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia, UAE top destinations for Pakistani workers in 2024
Listen to article Pakistan sent 727,381 skilled workers to Middle Eastern and European countries in 2024, a record figure aimed at reducing unemployment and increasing remittances, state-run media reported on Thursday. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), most workers were employed in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, while a significant number also secured jobs in European nations. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development credited the achievement to "aggressive marketing strategies, improved facilitation, and strengthened ties with international employers." "This landmark achievement is a shining testament to the government's unwavering commitment to providing Pakistani workers with lucrative employment opportunities abroad," the APP report stated. Pakistan's workforce plays a crucial role in supporting the economy, with remittances serving as a vital source of foreign exchange amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The surge in overseas employment is expected to positively impact economic stability by increasing foreign inflows. In January, Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasised the government's focus on expanding opportunities in Saudi Arabia while ensuring a better-skilled workforce to enhance competitiveness in the Middle Eastern job market. Pakistan annually sends around one million skilled workers abroad, contributing to both economic growth and foreign exchange reserves.
