According to a recent report shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, about 125,000 Pakistanis have applied for political asylum in European countries over the past two years. In addition, nearly 10,000 Pakistanis applied for asylum in the United States during the same time.
The committee, which is headed by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, also learned that around 52,000 Pakistanis were deported from different countries. Of these, about 34,000 were sent back from Iran alone. Officials explained that while some countries send undocumented migrants directly back to their home country, others keep them in jail before deportation.
The report further mentioned that Saudi Arabia has imposed tighter visa rules for Pakistani citizens. This has made it more difficult for many Pakistanis to enter the kingdom for work or travel.
Despite these challenges, the report shared some positive news as well. It confirmed that over 10.3 million skilled Pakistanis are currently working abroad in various fields. These workers continue to play a key role in supporting Pakistan’s economy by sending money back home.
The increase in asylum applications and deportations highlights the need for better planning and support for Pakistani citizens who go abroad. Many are forced to leave the country due to economic hardship, lack of job opportunities, or safety concerns.
The government has been urged to take strong steps to protect the rights of overseas Pakistanis and create more opportunities within the country so fewer people feel the need to seek asylum abroad.
