Islamabad, June 1, 2026: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday reviewed key issues related to migration, diplomatic affairs, institutional reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, while emphasizing the need for stronger legal migration pathways and improved institutional coordination.
The meeting, chaired by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, MNA, at Parliament House, received a detailed briefing on Spain’s special regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants, including Pakistani nationals residing in the country.
The committee described the initiative as a significant opportunity for Pakistanis already living and working in Spain and stressed the importance of promoting safe and legal migration channels instead of irregular routes often exploited by human trafficking networks.
During the briefing, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the proactive role played by Chairperson Hina Rabbani Khar in advancing discussions on legal migration pathways to Europe and appreciated her efforts to keep migration issues on the institutional and diplomatic agenda.
Committee members were informed about extensive facilitation measures undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with Pakistani missions abroad, the National Police Bureau, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant institutions. These efforts focused on ensuring the timely issuance of police clearance certificates, passports, visas and other essential documents required under the regularisation process.
Officials said that thousands of Pakistanis had benefited from the facilitation measures, while special arrangements were introduced to expedite documentation requirements.
Addressing the meeting, the chairperson observed that Europe’s increasingly restrictive migration environment requires Pakistan to proactively engage with partner countries to secure lawful economic opportunities for its citizens. She appreciated the Government of Spain for opening legal avenues for migrant regularisation, noting that such initiatives help protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and facilitate their integration into formal economic systems.
Members of the committee also called for nationwide awareness campaigns to discourage illegal migration and educate citizens about legal migration opportunities and procedures. Concerns were raised regarding human smuggling networks and the dangers associated with irregular migration routes to Europe.
The committee further discussed diplomatic postings and transfer policies within the Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Secretary briefed members on the principles governing diplomatic assignments, institutional requirements, tenure security and operational challenges faced by the ministry in managing overseas postings.
The committee underscored the importance of merit, professionalism and institutional continuity in diplomatic appointments, particularly in areas requiring specialised expertise.
Members also received a briefing on the training and professional development of Foreign Office officers and staff. Hina Rabbani Khar stressed the need to invest in future diplomats through exposure to internationally recognised training institutions and modern capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic service.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Mr. Danyal Chaudhary, Syed Mustafa Mehmood, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha and Ms. Shazia Marri, who joined virtually. The Foreign Secretary and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated in the proceedings.
