Senate panel lauds foreign ministry’s efforts on aid to Gaza

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs while lauding the foreign ministry’s efforts for speedy humanitarian aid to Gaza, sought a comprehensive briefing on the assistance.

The meeting was chaired by Senator Irfan-ul-Siddique. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) informed that 17 consignments totaling 117 tonnes of relief goods—including medical supplies, blankets, shelter materials, and hygiene items—have been dispatched since October 2023 through Egypt and Jordan.

The first consignment was sent on October 19, 2023, while the latest consignment was dispatched from Islamabad on August 5, 2025. The NDMA has finalised an 18th consignment this week, with 4 additional shipments planned through Al-Khidmat Foundation in the coming weeks.

Senator Sherry Rehman raised questions regarding Pakistan’s role in the face of the Gaza crisis. The Foreign Office spokesperson apprised that access to authentic information from Gaza remains limited due to blockades, with updates largely reliant on the Red Cross, social media, and other humanitarian agencies.

He told the Senate committee that Pakistan maintains its active role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with the upcoming OIC special session on August 25 set to feature all foreign ministers deliberating on the situation.

The committee was also assured that contrary to some reports, as pointed out by the committee’s chairman no relief consignments have been blocked, except for one early consignment in Egypt which faced tracking difficulties.

The committee discussed the role of Pakistan Embassy in Serbia in facilitating overseas employment for Pakistani workers. Senator Humayun Mohmand raised concerns regarding visa arrangements and social media advertisements by recruitment companies. Officials explained that Pakistani embassies identify opportunities while the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis handles formalities through NAVTTC and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).

The Serbian ambassador expressed satisfaction with Pakistani workers, noting low attrition rates. However, concerns were raised about living conditions, alleged harassment, and demands for 1000 Euros by some companies.

The committee requested the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and NAVTTC representatives to attend the next meeting for detailed discussions. Briefing the Committee on Pakistan’s global diplomatic footprint, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Pakistan currently operates 124 missions worldwide, covering embassies and consulates across 90 countries with ambassadorial representation.

The secretary highlighted that 79 foreign missions are operating in Pakistan. The ministry further apprised that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are being revised to evaluate the performance of ambassadors and staff, with quarterly reports compiled annually.

The committee directed the ministry to present a detailed performance monitoring report in upcoming sessions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior briefed the committee on Pakistan’s extradition procedures under the 1972 Extradition Act.

It was informed that 18 individuals have been successfully extradited to Pakistan while 88 cases are currently pending. The committee sought a comprehensive, country-wise record of extraditions from the Ministry of Interior and requested details on pending applications for National Status Verification.

Regarding Senator Danesh Kumar’s Question No. 24 on deputation and adhoc appointments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the chairman noted that the query was incomplete as it omitted temporary and adhoc appointments.

The matter was referred back to the House for revision and resubmission, with the committee requesting the minister’s presence when this issue is discussed next. The committee lauded the achievements of Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, who was conferred Sitara-i-Imtiaz on August 14, 2025.

Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs Senator Irfan-ul-Siddique remarked, “Her professional excellence and leadership have elevated Pakistan’s diplomatic standing globally.” He lauded the continuous efforts of the ministry in promoting Pakistan’s narrative on Indo-Pak conflict.

The meeting was attended by Senators Sherry Rehman, Rana Mahmoud-ul-Hassan, Syed Ali Zafar, Rubina Qaimkhani, Zeeshan Khanzada, and special invitees Senator Danesh Kumar and Senator Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand. Senior officials of MOFA, NDMA, and other relevant departments were also present.