In a landmark moment, an Overseas Convention was held in Islamabad from 13–16 April 2025. What set this event apart was the participation of overseas Pakistanis from around the world, united not by political affiliations but by their shared love for Pakistan and a collective desire to contribute to its progress. Participants from diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and political leanings set aside their differences to express their deep-rooted connection and commitment to their homeland.
The convention was born out of the recognition that Pakistan’s diaspora, now exceeding 10 million people, plays a critical role in the country’s development, contributing to the economy, diplomacy, education, and the social sector. It is now imperative that the Government of Pakistan, state institutions, and overseas Pakistanis come together to form a strong, coordinated, and harmonious partnership to shape a brighter future for the country.
Organised by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), the convention was supported by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Pakistan Armed Forces as partner institutions. While the OPF had initially anticipated 500 participants, over 1,200 overseas guests attended. This unexpectedly large turnout posed certain logistical challenges, but they were resolved by the graciousness of late participants who arranged their accommodation.
Warm welcome and national sentiment
On the first day, OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain welcomed the guests. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and several federal ministers were also present.
Pakistanis from across the globe candidly shared their concerns, expectations, and suggestions. It was evident that, despite living abroad, their hearts remain deeply connected to Pakistan’s soil.
This patriotic spirit is reflected most vividly in the record-breaking remittances sent home. In March alone, Pakistan received $4.1 billion in remittances — an all-time high for the country.
The day concluded with a graceful and memorable poetry evening, greatly appreciated by all attendees.
Concrete measures
The second day of the convention saw participation from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Governor of Sindh, and other senior officials.
General Asim Munir emphasised the significance of Pakistan, which was founded on the vision of the two-nation theory. He stated: “Many of us are now in a stage of life where we are preparing to pass the baton to the next generation. It is our responsibility to ensure our children understand Pakistan’s identity, its human and natural resources, and its place in the world.”
He encouraged overseas Pakistanis to proudly represent the country, highlighting that they belong to a great nation.
Overseas Pakistanis’ demands and the government’s response
In response to the 14 key demands presented by OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the vital contributions of overseas Pakistanis and announced a comprehensive package of practical reforms, despite the country being under fiscal strain due to the IMF programme.
The prime minister shared that several of these demands had already been approved and were moving toward implementation. These included legal relief measures, educational opportunities, and institutional support to ease the diaspora’s connection with the homeland.
Improved access to justice and legal protections
Recognising the legal challenges overseas Pakistanis face, the government has established a dedicated court in Islamabad to fast-track their cases, with plans to replicate the model across all provinces. In a major digital step, overseas citizens will be able to submit evidence and legal documentation via video link and online platforms, thanks to a new NADRA-led initiative expected to go live within 60 days. Additionally, legal reforms are underway to shield expatriates from false or malicious litigation.
Education, employment, and skills training
A 5 per cent quota has been reserved for the children of overseas Pakistanis across chartered universities, including 15 per cent seats in medical colleges. Degree-awarding institutions in the federal capital will also follow this allocation. On the vocational front, NAVTTC will offer 5,000 technical training courses tailored for overseas youth. The government has also introduced age relaxation — up to five years for men and seven for women — for overseas applicants seeking public sector jobs.
Incentives, infrastructure, and continued engagement
In a major shift, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will officially grant ‘filer’ status to overseas Pakistanis, enabling them to benefit from lower tax rates in financial and commercial transactions. On the investment front, the prime minister himself pledged to act as the ‘CEO’ of diaspora investment, promising hands-on facilitation and oversight. Civil awards will now be granted yearly on 14 August to those sending top-tier remittances, verified by the State Bank of Pakistan, to honour their role in the country’s economy.
To ease travel, the Green Channel at airports will be reinstated within the week. Property-related grievances — often a major concern — will now be addressed through special facilitation desks in Punjab and Balochistan, with similar setups being rolled out in KP, Sindh, and AJK. A pilot project for online sale deed registration is also being launched at the Pakistan High Commission in London.
Perhaps the most welcome announcement was the institutionalisation of this engagement: from now on, the Overseas Convention will be held annually every April, ensuring regular dialogue between the diaspora, the government, and key state institutions.
Reception at the Prime Minister’s House
To mark the close of the convention, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a formal dinner at the Prime Minister’s House, attended by members of the federal cabinet. In his remarks, he conveyed a heartfelt message of love, solidarity, and appreciation from the people of Pakistan to the overseas community.
The participants of the Overseas Convention pledged to continue promoting the country’s dignity and honour abroad, while also seeking new economic, educational, and diplomatic opportunities to serve their homeland. Powerful speeches by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir further strengthened this collective resolve.
The convention reflected the government’s firm commitment to empowering the diaspora through tangible steps. A promising takeaway from the event was the emerging consensus that sustained and structured engagement between the government, state institutions, and overseas Pakistanis is essential for Pakistan’s future.
The enthusiasm, love, and extraordinary turnout of participants conveyed a clear message — that next year’s convention in 2026 might require an even larger venue to accommodate the growing interest and participation of the global Pakistani community.
“Our bodies may be abroad, but our hearts beat with the scent of Pakistan’s soil.”
– A participant at the Overseas Convention“We owe it to the next generation to tell them about Pakistan’s identity, resources, and global importance.”
– General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff“This is the beginning of a strong and lasting triangle between overseas Pakistanis, the government, and state institutions.”
– Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza“Overseas Pakistanis are the true ambassadors of this great nation.”
– Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
