In recent months, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) overseas chapters have launched a series of events and campaigns to counter the perception that expatriate communities exclusively support the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The awareness campaigns urging Pakistanis abroad to send remittances to Pakistan bolstered PML-N’s political support and contributed to an impressive increase in remittances. In December 2024, a record-breaking $3.08 billion was sent to Pakistan, reflecting the overseas community’s renewed trust in the federal government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has taken concrete steps to address overseas Pakistanis’ concerns and ensure their meaningful participation in the economy. These measures include enhanced diplomatic support, legal assistance, and the establishment of specialised facilitation centres.
PML-N’s overseas chapters have played a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, thus strengthening the community’s trust in the party’s leadership and its vision for Pakistan’s progress. The overseas chapters conducted a series of events to promote the party’s point of view and campaign for the country.
London seminar
In London, the PML-N UK chapter organised an impressive seminar on the role of overseas Pakistanis in the stability of Pakistan, hosted by Haji Abid Hussain, president of the Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council (OPWC), and Ayaz Rafiq, general secretary of the Youth Forum. The event featured Barrister Amjad Malik, vice chairman of the Overseas Commission Punjab, as the keynote speaker, alongside Syed Qamar Raza, chairman of the Board of Governors, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).
Barrister Amjad Malik commended the crucial role of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s economy and development. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces in safeguarding national sovereignty. Other speakers, including Deputy High Commissioner Haseeb bin Aziz, emphasised the patriotism and unity of the overseas community.
Italy: birthday celebrations
In Brescia, the PML-N Italy chapter held a grand event presided over by Chaudhry Faheem Khalid, president of Italy’s youth wing. Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar joined the event virtually, highlighting the contributions of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan’s development.
Key participants included notable figures such as Qamar Riaz Khan, Raja Shiraz Ahmed, and Chaudhry Tasawur Abbas Gondal, who reinforced that overseas Pakistanis’ earnings contribute to the state of Pakistan, not the ruling political party.
London: birthday celebrations
A magnificent event hosted by PML-N UK President Ahsan Dar in London marked the birthday of Mian Nawaz Sharif. The chief guest, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced the restoration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) services in Europe and the United States, signalling the government’s commitment to addressing overseas Pakistanis’ concerns.
The event attracted thousands of PML-N supporters, reaffirming their confidence in Mian Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.
Denmark: birthday celebrations
PML-N Denmark’s youth wing organised a distinguished event to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mian Nawaz Sharif. The event, hosted by Youth President Mehir Aftab Ahmed Rumi and General Secretary Mian Muhammad Mansha, featured speeches highlighting Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and Mian Nawaz Sharif’s leadership’s pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s future.
Political and economic significance
The organised efforts of PML-N’s overseas chapters have made it clear that overseas Pakistanis’ support is not confined to a single political party. Instead, they have shown unwavering trust in national institutions and the leadership of PML-N.
These events have strengthened the political engagement of the overseas community and showcased their role as a vital economic asset.