Senate body tells Afridi to resolve overseas Pakistanis’ passport issues

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior demanded of the Ministry of Interior on Monday to take notice of the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis in connection with their passports.

The Senate body’s meeting was held under the chair of Senator Rehman Malik at the Parliament House. The matter regarding issues faced by overseas Pakistanis in getting their passports from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and other matters came under discussion.

The committee demanded of State Minister for Interior Shehryar Afridi to take notice of the issues immediately. The committee was informed that the overseas Pakistanis face problems in getting their passports.

“Overseas Pakistanis apply for their passports online and after processing them in Pakistan, the details are sent to the respective countries. If the relevant embassy provides print and other facilities, their time and money can be saved,” the committee recommended.

The committee also recommended the interior ministry to provide passport and CNIC facilities in the embassies of the receptive countries.

Senator Rehman Malik sought a reply on the closure of the NADRA offices in different Pakistani embassies abroad.

State Minister for Interior Shehryar Afridi, Senator Javed Abbasi, Senator Mian Ateeq, Senator Kalsoom Perveen and Senator Sitara Ayaz attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, protection measures for street children also come under discussion.

Senator Ayaz took up the matter of street children in the meeting. Rehman Malik said drafting the law for street children is the need of the hour, adding that unusual measures should be taken for their protection.

He said no child should be seen begging in the capital and the child adopts such practice should be given in the custody of Baitul Mal. The committee chairman said Islamabad commissioner should constitute a committee to supervise the street children.