PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan has submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate over ‘large-scale repatriation’ of Pakistani workers from Saudi Arabia, calling for an urgent debate on the issue.

In the motion, the senator urged that routine proceedings of the House be suspended to allow discussion on what he termed a matter of grave national importance. He expressed concern that a significant number of Pakistani labourers residing in Saudi Arabia for employment were being sent back despite holding valid visas and fulfilling all legal requirements.

The motion stated that these workers not only supported their families but also played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy through remittances. Their sudden return, it added, was creating serious financial difficulties for their families, while also posing negative implications for the national economy.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan questioned the basis on which these individuals were being repatriated. He also sought details of the steps being taken by the government of Pakistan at the diplomatic level to address the situation.

The motion warned that the development was creating an impression that government efforts to protect the rights of overseas Pakistanis were insufficient. It called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the federal government to immediately engage with Saudi authorities to find a solution.

It further demanded that the rights of Pakistani workers holding valid visas be ensured and that immediate relief, employment opportunities and rehabilitation measures be provided to those returning. The motion also called for a detailed briefing to the Senate on the issue.

The ANP leader emphasised that the matter was linked to the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani families as well as the country’s economy and, therefore, required urgent attention and serious deliberation by the House.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026