ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, held a meeting with senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader and former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Zahid Akram Durrani. The discussion centered on expanding employment and skills training opportunities for Pakistanis abroad.
During the meeting, several proposals were reviewed to enhance overseas job placement and vocational training, particularly for residents of underrepresented regions.
Minister Salik Hussain emphasized that providing employment and skills training abroad is a top priority for the government, with special focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. He noted that people from KP significantly contribute to Pakistan’s remittance inflows, and the government aims to increase monthly remittances to $4 billion.
Zahid Akram Durrani raised concerns about the difficulties faced by people from KP, especially those from Bannu, in accessing overseas employment services. He highlighted that residents currently need to travel four hours to reach the Protectorate Office in Dera Ismail Khan. Durrani strongly recommended establishing a Protectorate Office in Bannu to ease the process for locals and neighboring districts.
In response, Federal Minister Salik Hussain issued directives for the swift establishment of a Protectorate Office in Bannu and assured full cooperation from his ministry to resolve the issue promptly.
