ISLAMABAD – The Senate has been informed that as many as 6,450 Pakistanisare imprisoned in Gulf countries and a holistic approach will be adapted toprovide full assistance to the Pakistani prisoners languishing in foreignjails.

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari told the house during questionhour that consular services of our missions abroad will be upgraded forthis purpose. She said a policy decision will also be taken to get in touchwith different countries for repatriation of Pakistani prisoners.

The minister said the present government will bolster efforts to produceskilled workforce keeping in the view the demand of jobs in the Gulf andother countries.

Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan told the house that Gwadar portis a big national asset. He said currently limited exports and commercialimports are taking place from the port.

In a written reply, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the housethat safeguarding national security, promoting Pakistan’s economicinterests and strengthening international partnerships have been some ofthe overarching themes of country’s foreign policy.

He said the foreign policy as in any other democratic country is formulatedby the government. However, the parliament, security agencies, and someother ministries play an equally important role in providing crucialinputs, he said, adding, this practice is also followed in other countriesas well.