Pakistan signing agreements with countries to export manpower, NA told

ISLAMABAD, July 29: The National Assembly was informed on Friday Pakistan is in process of signing agreements with different countries for the export of manpower. Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid HussainTuri told the house during question hour that the countries with which the agreements are being pursued include Romania, Portugal, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Greece, UK, Kuwait, Libya and Lebanon. He was confident that the manpower export agreements will be signed in a matter of two months. He said our focus is also to send skilled labor to these countries. He pointed out that the agreements for export of manpower have already been signed with Germany, Malaysia and Korea. During the first half of the current year, over four hundred thousand people were sent abroad for employment. He said about fifty thousand people are going to Saudi Arabia every month for employment. Responding to a question, SajidTuri said seven housing schemes have been completed for overseas Pakistan whilst more such projects will be launched for them. The Chair said that eleven MNAs belonging to PTI had tendered their resignations on 11th April this year and these seats have now become vacant. Responding to a calling attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan said the government has taken steps to protect the low income groups and salaried class from the price hike. He said salaries of the employees have been enhanced by fifteen percent in the budget whilst a raise has also been given to the pensioners. He was confident that the rupee will appreciate following receipt of the next tranche from the IMF. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon announce a package for the agriculture sector in order to achieve self-sufficiency in major crops such as wheat. To another calling attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Power RanaIradat Sharif Khan told the house that recruitments will be made in DISCOs on merit. The Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Bill, 2022 was laid before the house today. The House has been adjourned to meet again on Monday at 4 pm.-PR