Approximately 135,000 Pakistanis have applied for political asylum in Western countries over the past two years, with around 125,000 seeking refuge in Europe and more than 10,000 in the United States, a parliamentary panel was informed.
During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis held on Tuesday and chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, the Director General of Passports disclosed these figures.
He further explained that some countries do not detain Pakistani nationals entering illegally but instead promptly deport them back to Pakistan.
Last year alone, Iran deported 34,000 Pakistanis. Passports of those deported have been canceled, and individuals involved in criminal activities face stringent penalties.
The Director General also highlighted that over 10.3 million skilled Pakistani professionals are currently employed abroad.
Earlier, officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis mentioned that Saudi Arabia has reduced visa issuance to Pakistanis and imposed stricter eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed the committee that since 2023, more than 52,000 Pakistanis have been deported from various countries, including 5,000 beggars sent back from Saudi Arabia.
