ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee on Tuesday deliberated on the proposal for creation of special courts to address property disputes of overseas Pakistanis.

The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was held at Parliament House.

Members of the committee discussed different aspects of the bill titled: ‘The Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis’ Property) Bill, 2024’.

Secretary Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Dr Arshad Mahmood informed the committee that the bill proposes to create special courts to address the grievances of overseas Pakistanis regarding illegal occupation of their properties.

The bill allows overseas Pakistanis to submit online petitions and sets a time period of 60 days for resolution of disputes.

The committee recommended extending the disputes resolution period from 60 to 90 days, saying the 60-day period might be insufficient for resolving property disputes.

Furthermore, the committee was briefed on the working and performance of the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). Managing Director OEC Naseer Khan Kashani informed the committee that OEC promotes the emigration of Pakistani manpower for employment abroad.

Senator Shahadat Awan pointed out that according to OEC briefing, Pakistan’s status has been inactive with UAE, Oman, Turkey and Kuwait since 2019 and 2020 respectively. The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of OEC and recommended that OEC should gear up efforts to find employment for skilled workers in Muslim-friendly and Asian countries.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada highlighted that expanding the export sector is challenging due to acute energy crisis.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2024