December witnessed a vibrant array of activities by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), aimed at engaging overseas Pakistanis and addressing their concerns. Under the leadership of key representatives, efforts were made to strengthen ties with expatriate communities and highlight their crucial role in Pakistan’s economic and social development.
Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Barrister Amjad Malik met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore. The Prime Minister congratulated him on his appointment and emphasised the indispensable role of expatriates as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving their challenges through coordinated efforts at both federal and provincial levels. In response, Barrister Malik expressed his gratitude and praised the government’s economic achievements, particularly the recent improvements in the stock market and fiscal stability. He further highlighted the need for expedited judicial processes for expatriates, particularly by introducing speedy trial courts and applauded the government’s efforts to restore PIA’s direct flights to Europe. The two leaders also discussed the importance of combating disinformation on social media, which often disrupts harmony among overseas communities.
OPC and OPF to collaborate
Barrister Amjad Malik’s leadership drew praise from General (Retd) Bilal Akbar, former Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza. During their meeting, they discussed the vital contributions of overseas Pakistanis in the Gulf region and the need for enhanced collaboration between the Punjab OPC and the OPF.
Both leaders highlighted the necessity of creating investment opportunities for expatriates and addressing their legal and social issues. General Akbar emphasised the importance of stronger communication channels between expatriates and government institutions, while Chairman Raza proposed new welfare programmes to further the cause of overseas Pakistanis.
PML-N Italy celebrates Christmas in Gujranwala
In Gujranwala, the president of the minority wing of PML-N’s Italy chapter, Shahzad Bhatti, hosted a grand reception to honour overseas Pakistanis. On the occasion, a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony emphasised the importance of interfaith harmony. The event highlighted the contributions of expatriate Pakistanis in Europe in supporting Pakistan’s economy and global image. The participants, including Dr Amjad Malik, called for increased cooperation among overseas Pakistanis to counter the challenges they face abroad. They lauded the government’s efforts to bridge gaps and build stronger connections with overseas communities.
Cultural diplomacy by PML-N Oman
In Sialkot, Chaudhry Maqsood Ahmad Butt, senior vice president of the PML-N Oman chapter, hosted a dinner in honour of Barrister Amjad Malik. The gathering brought together expatriate leaders visiting Pakistan, and PML-N supporters to discuss the challenges faced by Pakistanis abroad.
Prominent figures, including MPA and the Punjab Land Records Authority Chairman Chaudhry Tariq Subhani, attended the event. They praised Barrister Malik’s leadership and emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between federal and provincial bodies to address the expatriate community’s concerns. The evening provided a platform to strengthen ties and discuss investment opportunities for expatriates.
Youth leadership countering disinformation
In Hong Kong, Zain Ali Imran, a dedicated youth leader from PML-N’s Hong Kong chapter and a law student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), took the initiative to combat the spread of misinformation by bringing together a diverse group of 25 Pakistani students from prestigious institutions like HKU, CUHK, and Science Park.
Participants discussed ways to counter fake narratives and called for projecting a positive image of Pakistan on international platforms. Key attendees included Muhammad Zeeshan (City University of Hong Kong), Noor ul Hadi (HKU), and Wasim Ullah Khan (HKSTP-City University), who shared insights on building a cohesive community abroad.
Zain aims to expand this engagement, with the next phase involving over 100 participants in a larger gathering.
