Libya war leaves 10,000 Pakistanis jobless

ISLAMABAD - Over 10,000 Pakistanis working in Libya have lost their jobs due to Islamabads failure to accord recognition to the rebel 'National Transition Council. According to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, 6,500 people with their families have already returned to Pakistan while 3,200 have left Libya to search jobs elsewhere. The Ministry is currently without a Minister. An official on condition of anonymity told The Nation, 'Pakistan has not suffered much on account of remittances. However, pressure for recognition of the National Transition Council emanates from other world capitals. Earlier, the Foreign Office had informed this scribe ,'an extension of de-jure recognition to Libyan National Council will be made after consultation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the State Bank only 4 million dollars were received from Libya and some other countries from Pakistani expatriates. Pakistans total remittances amount to $11,200.97 million. Pakistan does not import PoL products from Libya under earlier placed sanctions by NATO countries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has so far not recognised the Libyan National Transition Council. Diplomatic sources in the Federal capital just privately say, 'situation in Libya remains fluid. So far the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries too have not recognised the Libyan National Transition Council. Former ruler Col.Gaddafis spokesman Moussa Ibrahim claims, 'there are mercenaries within the rank and file of National Transition Council. His claim appeared was aired by some TV channels in Libya. Moussa had made an announcement, 'forces loyal to Col.Gaddafi had captured 17 mercenaries. Arab Diplomatic sources in Islamabad say,'we are concerned about mercenaries factor. These sources were also of the opinion that 'we are concerned about NATO-led attacks on Libya.