The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is making every effort to address the issues overseas Pakistanis face in line with the promises made in its manifesto. Overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to the country, and resolving their concerns on a priority basis is a key responsibility of the government. To achieve this, the PML-N government has adopted a policy to ensure direct engagement between government officials and the overseas Pakistani community every month.
Under the leadership of Chairperson Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Vice Chairperson Barrister Amjad Malik, the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) is actively working to resolve problems faced by overseas Pakistanis. As part of these efforts, an e-Kachehri, i.e. an online town hall meeting, was held on 28 February, allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their concerns while staying in their respective countries of residence. The session was attended by Vice Chairperson OPC Barrister Amjad Malik and Commissioner OPC Mirza Naseer Inayat, while Pakistanis from various countries in the Gulf, Europe, the US, and Africa presented their issues. Immediate directives were issued to the commissioner of OPC for the swift resolution of these matters.
Following PML-N’s 2024 election manifesto, the OPC is being modernised to function as a “one-window operation.” This will not only streamline the process for lodging and resolving complaints but will also offer other essential services.
The reformation of OPC has had the following outcomes and impact:
- Overseas Pakistanis now have an effective and reliable platform where they can register complaints without hesitation.
- The resolution process has become more efficient, with immediate directives issued to concerned officials.
- The gap between the government and overseas Pakistanis has been reduced, leading to increased trust.
- The “one-window operation” model makes the OPC more active and effective.
To ensure the prompt resolution of issues overseas Pakistanis face, the Punjab government will continue to hold open forums (Kachehris) both within Pakistan and abroad every month.
Ishaq Dar meets overseas PML-N leaders in New York
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar met with the leadership of PML-N overseas chapters during his visit to New York. In this meeting, PML-N leaders from the US discussed party affairs and shared their perspectives on the challenges faced.
Ishaq Dar emphasised that the ethical standards of PML-N’s politics must be higher than those of other political parties. He urged party workers to effectively counter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) USA chapter’s attempts to damage the image of Pakistan and its armed forces, ensuring that Pakistan’s positive image and state institutions are presented to the world.
During the meeting, leaders such as Danish Malik and others raised concerns regarding internal party groupings. Ishaq Dar reassured them that all voices would be heard and that any solutions would be reached through consensus. He appreciated the contributions of PML-N overseas chapter members, acknowledging their significant role in the party and serving Pakistan.
Pakistan Association for South Africa delegation meets Chairman PMYP
A delegation from the Pakistan Association for South Africa, led by Zahid Iqbal, met with PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. The meeting was attended by Nadeem Hafeez, General Secretary of the Bahrain chapter.
Additionally, Vice President of PML-N South Africa Zahid Iqbal, along with General Secretary of the Turkey chapter Tauseef Tahir, and Raja Anjum Chauhan from the Germany chapter, visited the Parliament. They met Dr Nafisa Shah, chairperson of the Pakistan-South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group, along with MNAs Shaista Pervaiz and Sharmila Farooqi.
