Financial oversight of overseas operations became a key focus during the National Assembly Standing committee on overseas meeting, particularly regarding expenditures in Italy.
Officials attributed increased operational costs to exchange rate fluctuations, but committee members demanded concrete explanations rather than assumptions. One member questioned why overseas operational costs increase while minimum wages inside Pakistan remain stagnant despite inflation.
The committee also reviewed data showing 353 Pakistani prisoners in Italy, including three women, and sought details on legal assistance mechanisms.
Serious concerns were raised about the performance of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation after the chairman noted that a helpline for repatriation of deceased Pakistanis had become non-functional.
Further scrutiny arose after officials stated that around 150 bodies of Pakistani nationals were transported from Milan to Pakistan without government expenditure, reportedly through community support. Committee members questioned where allocated funds had been used.
Additionally, the absence and later restoration of services in Brescia and Milan—including delays in welfare coordination and documentation services—prompted strong criticism. The committee directed authorities to publish updated contact details of Community Welfare Attachés on official websites to improve accessibility for overseas Pakistanis.
The session concluded with instructions for detailed reports on spending, documentation facilitation, and institutional accountability in overseas missions.
