Islamabad: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has announced a significant increase in overseas employment opportunities for Pakistanis, attributed to effective government policies and international engagement.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister, speaking on a private TV channel talk-show, emphasized the government's comprehensive measures to provide legal, safe, and dignified employment opportunities for overseas Pakistanis. Last year, over 760,000 Pakistanis went abroad, with a notable increase in women workers, reflecting the positive impact of the government's initiatives.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlighted that, for the first time, Italy has allocated a quota of 10,500 workers for Pakistan, and a similar agreement has been signed with Belarus. Negotiations are underway with additional European and Middle Eastern countries to secure further opportunities.

The minister noted that seventy Pakistanis, including two women, have found employment in South Korea, with cooperation between the two governments growing as the program advances. Additionally, Kuwait has reopened its visa services for Pakistan after a 15-year hiatus, facilitating the employment of 1,200 nurses, which the minister described as a major breakthrough.

Emphasizing the importance of legal channels for employment, the Federal Minister stated that such measures will enhance Pakistan's international image. Efforts are being undertaken to create opportunities for technically skilled workers and middle management-level professionals.

Furthermore, the age limit for housemaids has been reduced from 35 to 25 years, allowing more women to work abroad legally. The government aims to send only trained individuals overseas to uphold Pakistan's dignity and reputation.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain also mentioned the simplification of the remittance system and various incentives offered to overseas Pakistanis, leading to a historic increase in foreign exchange inflows.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan is progressing in development, with ongoing engagement with overseas Pakistanis to address their concerns.

The minister concluded by emphasizing the equal importance of all overseas Pakistanis and the preparation of Pakistani youth to meet global demands.