The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Agha Rafiullah, pressed the government to ensure that fees charged by overseas employment promoters are paid online. The committee questioned why its earlier instructions had not been implemented and demanded immediate action from the relevant ministries. The chairman insisted that an online fee system is essential to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
Officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis informed the committee that changes to the rules were required to introduce online payments. They said the existing rules only mention issuing a receipt for fee collection. The chairman challenged the ministry’s interpretation, asking where the rules specifically prohibit online payments. He reprimanded officials from the ministry and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) for failing to act despite repeated directions.
The chairman questioned why rules had not been amended if necessary, expressing anger over the ministry’s inaction. He warned that he could move a privilege motion against the ministry for continuously ignoring committee directives. He remarked that millions of rupees are spent on committee meetings and that members do not attend only for travel allowances. He criticised the officials for returning after two months with the same unresolved explanations.
Ministry officials claimed that a major decision could not be taken because the position of Director General at the OEC was vacant. The chairman strongly rejected this justification, stating that administrative gaps cannot halt important decisions. The ministry added that it was trying to follow a systematic process to update rules and procedures. The chairman directed the ministry to present concrete progress before the next meeting.
Secretary Overseas Pakistanis assured the committee that progress on the online fee system would be shared before the upcoming session. The chairman reiterated that the fees charged to overseas job applicants must be paid online to safeguard citizens from exploitation and ensure accountability.
