In a digital gathering spanning 35 countries, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) International Affairs recently convened a Zoom conference, drawing together overseas leadership from around the globe. Spearheaded by President of PML-N International Affairs, Senator Ishaq Dar, and orchestrated by Senior Vice President and Chief Coordinator, Barrister Amjad Malik, the moot was meant for the party’s engagement with its diaspora.
The participants extended a resounding congratulations to Senator Ishaq Dar on his recent appointments as deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, as well as his reinstatement as a member of the Senate. Dar’s presence infused the discussion with a sense of purpose and direction, as he outlined the government’s commitment to steering Pakistan out of international isolation and onto the path of progress, echoing the visionary stance of PML-N founder Mian Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
However, the conference wasn’t merely ceremonial; it served as a forum for addressing pressing concerns voiced by overseas chapters of PML-N. These concerns, predominantly stemming from grievances lodged with local embassies, underscored the need for greater attention from the party’s leadership. Delegates urged for inclusivity, advocating for the incorporation of overseas representatives in governmental affairs and the expeditious convening of overseas conventions.
Barrister Amjad Malik, in his address, elucidated the PML-N manifesto recommendations about overseas affairs, setting the stage for the announcement of a proposed package comprising 16 initiatives and actions. Among these initiatives, Senator Ishaq Dar highlighted provisions of special seats for overseas Pakistanis, streamlined investment facilitation, dedicated immigration centres, and special courts tailored to commercial matters. Additionally, the proposed package includes quotas and tax exemptions in public sector housing schemes, a national savings scheme tailored for overseas Pakistanis, and measures to streamline online document verification processes, including for passports, and NADRA services.
The proposed package also includes the establishment of overseas commissions in all provinces, aimed at ensuring a warm welcome and seamless facilitation for repatriates, while also addressing property disputes and fostering alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The significance of remittances was underscored with proposals for incentivising senders.
Looking forward, Senator Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of establishing think tanks that integrate the perspectives of expatriates and liaise closely with their embassies. Participants advocated for the appointment of honorary counsellors or representatives in various countries, based on merit, to bolster efforts in investment, environmental stewardship, and advancements in technology.
In closing, Chief Coordinator Barrister Amjad Malik extended gratitude to all participants, culminating in a collective offering of prayers. With the formal announcement of the conference’s conclusion, the event marked not just a moment of reflection but also a clarion call for renewed engagement and solidarity among the PML-N diaspora.
Mian Nawaz Sharif’s Hong Kong visit
Former Prime Minister and founder of the PML-N, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, embarked on a significant visit to Hong Kong in May, marking an important engagement with the Pakistanis diaspora and local leadership.
During his time in Hong Kong, Mian Nawaz Sharif met with the President of PML-N Hong Kong Kowloon Chapter, Imran Khan, to discuss various matters pertinent to the Pakistani community residing in the region. The meeting served as a platform to address issues faced by expatriates and explore avenues for enhancing business opportunities and employment prospects.
A notable highlight of the visit was Mian Nawaz Sharif’s visit to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, where he expressed his concerns and extended well-wishes to Muhammad Arshad Khan, Chairman of PML-N Hong Kong Chapter, who was undergoing treatment. Accompanying Mian Nawaz Sharif were key figures from the PML-N Hong Kong chapter, including Muhammad Arshad Khan’s son Saleem Arshad Khan, President Chaudhry Javaid Iqbal, Secretary General Rai Ashraf Khan, Senior Vice President Mian Abdul Sattar, Joint Secretary Tariq Abbasi, and Social Media Head Adeel Khan, showcasing unity and solidarity within the party.
One significant outcome of the visit was Mian Nawaz Sharif’s directive to his staff to prepare a feasibility report for the provision of health cards to overseas Pakistanis. This move underscores the commitment of PML-N leadership to address the welfare needs of Pakistani expatriates and ensure access to essential healthcare services, even beyond national borders.
