ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking concrete steps for the welfare and facilitation of overseas Pakistanis, acknowledging their crucial contributions to the country’s economy and global image.
The National Assembly Speaker made the remarks while addressing the 1st Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad.
He added that there should be strict punishment for those who grab the property of overseas Pakistanis.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasised the importance of overseas Pakistanis, describing them as the country’s ambassadors who are excelling across various fields. He acknowledged the vital role of remittances in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and stressed the need to simplify procedures for expatriates.
He proposed the development of online platforms to reduce the need for visits to embassies, ensuring greater ease and accessibility.
He further stated that legislation to support overseas Pakistanis can be introduced following consultations with relevant ministries, adding that provincial governments would also be engaged on the matter.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, expressing his views, lauded the valuable contributions of Pakistanis living abroad, particularly their role in bolstering the national economy.
He said that record remittances worth $ 4.1 billion were sent by overseas Pakistanis in one month.
Pakistan’s envoys from different countries also took part in the convention and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the concerns of overseas Pakistanis.
Earlier, Radio Pakistan reported that Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis are crucial for the South Asian country.
Pakistan expects to receive more than $35 billion in remittances this year through June, with overseas Pakistanis remitting a record $1.3 billion in February. The three-day convention will be held in Pakistan’s capital from Apr. 13-15.
The government has granted the status of “state guests” to overseas Pakistanis attending the convention.
In his inaugural address, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Syed Qamar Raza revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to announce a special package for overseas Pakistanis during his keynote speech.
The event also includes formal dinners hosted by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir tonight and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tomorrow, with both leaders scheduled to address the convention on the second day.
In his remarks, Information Minister Atta Tarar praised the invaluable contributions of overseas Pakistanis, referring to them as “the pride and crown jewels of the nation.”
He underscored the significance of their multi-billion-dollar annual remittances and highlighted their crucial role in ensuring national development and economic stability.
Many overseas participants expressed optimism about the government’s current direction, voicing hope that recent initiatives will open up new avenues for investment and further strengthen their connection with the homeland.
They reaffirmed their dedication to playing an active role in Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
