ISLAMABAD, June 13: Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Minister Abdul Sattar Laleka told the National Assembly on Friday that 114,418 people were sent abroad from November 2002 to April 2003.

In a written reply to a question, the minister said the people had been sent to 62 countries with the highest number, 76,742, sent to Saudi Arabia, followed by 30,280 to the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Laleka said an ordinance had been promulgated for the protection of foreign currency accounts to regain the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and exclude any possibility of freezing in the future.

He said 13 community welfare attaches had been posted in eight countries with a concentration of overseas Pakistanis.

The Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Council had been established to involve them in the national development and welfare, he said.

He said a package of incentives for those who sent remittances through banking channels had been announced.

The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation had undertaken a number of welfare measures in the fields of education, financial assistance, health, housing and compensation to Gulf war victims, he said.

In reply to another question, the minister said the total amount collected by the Employees Old Age Benefit Scheme by April 1 was Rs18.292 billion and the profit earned during 2002-3 was Rs8.663 billion. He said the minimum pension, which was Rs90 in 1983, had been increased to Rs700 per month.

The scheme was being reviewed in consultation with experts for increase in pension without adversely effecting its financial viability, he added.

The minister for Kashmir affairs, Northern Areas, states and Frontier regions informed the house that a proposal of giving the right of appeal in high courts and the superior court to the people of the Federally Administered Tribal areas was under consideration. He said it required amendment to Article 247(7) of the Constitution.

He said a forum of appeal in the form of a tribunal comprising the NWFP law and home secretaries had been established to provide relief to the people of Fata.