ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday welcomed Spain’s special regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants, describing it as a major opportunity for thousands of Pakistanis residing and working in the European country, while stressing the need to expand legal migration pathways and discourage irregular migration.
The panel, which met under the chairpersonship of Hina Rabbani Khar, was informed that thousands of Pakistani nationals had already benefited from facilitation measures undertaken by Pakistani authorities and missions abroad to support applicants seeking legal status under Spain’s regularisation initiative.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary briefed lawmakers on the extensive coordination carried out among Pakistan’s diplomatic missions, the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Bureau and other relevant institutions to expedite the issuance of police clearance certificates, passports, visas and other required documentation for applicants.
The committee termed the Spanish initiative a significant opening for Pakistani workers and emphasised that legal migration channels offered a safer alternative to irregular routes often exploited by human trafficking and human smuggling networks.
Chairperson Hina Rabbani Khar observed that Europe’s increasingly restrictive migration environment required Pakistan to proactively engage with partner countries to secure lawful economic opportunities for its citizens. She appreciated Spain’s leadership in opening legal avenues for migrant regularisation and said such measures could help protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while integrating them into formal economic systems.
Members of the committee also called for nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens about legal migration procedures and opportunities while discouraging illegal migration attempts. Concerns were raised over the continued activities of human smuggling networks and the risks faced by migrants using irregular routes to Europe.
The committee further reviewed diplomatic posting and transfer policies within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary briefed members on the principles governing diplomatic assignments, tenure security and institutional requirements. Lawmakers emphasised merit, professionalism and continuity in diplomatic appointments to strengthen specialised expertise within Pakistan’s foreign service.
The panel also received a briefing on training programmes for officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chairperson stressed the importance of investing in future diplomats through exposure to internationally recognised training institutions and modern capacity-building initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s diplomatic capabilities.
The meeting was attended by committee members including Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Danyal Chaudhary, Syed Mustafa Mehmood, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Muhammad Khan Daha and Ms. Shazia Marri, who joined virtually, along with the Foreign Secretary and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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