The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been actively engaging overseas Pakistanis through various initiatives and leadership appointments. Key figures within the party have taken on significant roles as seen in recent developments within the UK and Oman chapters, as well as initiatives aimed at bolstering business ties between Pakistan and the Gulf region.
Barrister Amjad Malik’s appointment
Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, recently appointed Barrister Amjad Malik as the Vice Chairman of the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission. This move has been met with enthusiasm among overseas Pakistanis and PML-N supporters, reflecting Barrister Malik’s extensive experience and contributions. As the Chief Coordinator of PML-N Overseas Chapters since 2021, he has played a crucial role in reorganising the party’s international presence, particularly in Europe, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
Barrister Amjad Malik’s professional credentials demonstrate his longstanding commitment to the diaspora, including his tenure as Chairman of the Association of Pakistani Lawyers and his recognition as the UK Human Rights Lawyer of the Year in 2000. His leadership has been instrumental in addressing the legal concerns of overseas Pakistanis, and his previous role as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (2016-2018) laid the groundwork for reforms aiming to improve the lives of expatriates. This shows the government’s commitment to appoint people who can deliver.
PML-N UK chapter: revival and engagement
With a new leadership team taking charge, the PML-N chapter in the United Kingdom has witnessed a rejuvenation. Barrister Amjad Malik, in his role as senior vice president for international affairs, chaired the inaugural meeting of the UK cabinet, celebrating the appointments of Dr Ashraf Chauhan as chairman, Ahsan Dar as president, and Rashid Adeel Hashmi as general secretary. The inclusion of women and young students in the party, as emphasised by President Ahsan Dar, marks a positive step towards broader engagement within the diaspora.
A grand reception in honour of the newly elected UK leadership was held at the Thistle Hotel in Central London. Prominent figures, including Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, and Barrister Amjad Malik, newly appointed Vice Chairman of the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission, were in attendance. The gathering underscored the PML-N’s focus on strengthening the role of overseas Pakistanis, particularly in the UK, where their contributions to Pakistan’s trade and development are increasingly recognised.
Pakistan-Oman Business Conference
In the Gulf region, PML-N’s Oman chapter played a significant role in the Pakistan-Oman Business Expo, held in Muscat in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry. The event attracted over 200 Pakistani traders and saw over 2,000 visitors, including local Omanis, who showed great interest in Pakistani products.
The active participation of PML-N Oman leaders such as President Mohammad Ali Fazal, Legal Wing Head Ijaz Maharavi, and Prime Minister’s Youth Program Representative Mohammad Talha Ali highlighted the party’s commitment to enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and Oman. Their presence encouraged Pakistani businessmen and investors, further solidifying trade ties between the two nations. The forum was praised for its success by attendees, including notable figures such as PML-N Canada Vice President Tahir Nawaz and prominent TV anchor Nasrullah Malik.
