Panel raises alarm over Gulf worker expulsions

A parliamentary panel expressed concern over reports of Pakistani workers being expelled from Bahrain and other Middle Eastern countries. The committee meeting was subsequently held in-camera at the request of Foreign Ministry officials.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs met on Monday under the chairmanship of PPP's Hina Rabbani Khar, who also served as the country's foreign minister during the Musharraf era.

During the meeting, Khar said reports were emerging about Pakistani workers being expelled from several other Middle Eastern countries. She added that there were also reports that Pakistanis were being expelled based on sectarian and religious affiliations.

Describing the matter as "extremely concerning", she said the committee could be briefed in-camera by the relevant embassies if they wished.

Khar also expressed displeasure over the incomplete briefing provided to the panel, stressing that Parliament and parliamentary committees should be taken seriously.

She also objected to the foreign secretary's absence, stating that the committee should have been informed in advance if he had to go to the Prime Minister's House.

"Suddenly informing us that the foreign secretary is not coming to the meeting is not an appropriate procedure," she said. Foreign Ministry officials, meanwhile, told the committee that the issue of Pakistani workers being expelled from Middle Eastern countries was highly sensitive.

Ambassadors of the relevant countries also briefed the committee during the meeting.