Expats gather in Islamabad to support national development, financial stability

Islamabad : Hundreds of Overseas Pakistanis, residing in various corners of the world, have arrived in Islamabad, the federal capital, with proposals for national development and financial stability.

During their visit, they will meet with key government decision-makers, leading business figures, the Prime Minister, and relevant cabinet ministers. These meetings aim to discuss strategies for enhancing Pakistani exports by aligning them with global demands and requirements, leveraging their expertise and experience in international markets.

The delegation is led by Zaheer Ahmed Mehr, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF). Participants include representatives from, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Italy, France, Kenya, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other developed and developed countries of the world. While, 143 Pakistani oversees reached under the banner to OPGF, including Chairman OPGF Zaheer Ahmad Maher, Vice Chairman Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Shaikh, Malik Mohammad Suleman, Ch. Suhail Masood Warhaich, Ferhan Ali Maher, Nighat Khan, Maher Imran Akhtar, Mohammad Suleman Ashraf, Tahira Ashraf, Ali Rashid Butt, Adnan Ali, Ch. Imran Akhtar, Ch. Zufiqar Ali, Majid Malik, Hafiz Munem, Mohammad Hamdan, Faiq Semab are among 143 overseas Pakistanis who are visiting Pakistan.

The OPGF Pakistanis would attend a function at Prime Minister House being chaired by PM Shahbaz Sharif on 3rd February. The representative of overseas Pakistanis all over the world attended “Meet The Press” program hosted by the National Press Club and shared their demands prioritization of their issues by government.

Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF), Zaheer Akhtar Mehr, has urged the government to prioritize resolving the issues of overseas Pakistanis, reinstate the Green Channel, grant foreign investor status to expatriates, and create a conducive investment environment for them. He also demanded an end to illegal land occupations on their properties and the exemption of second-hand mobile phones from taxes.

Speaking at the "Meet the Press" event at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, Mehr was accompanied by Chief Organizer Salman Malik, Coordinator Farhan Akhtar Mehr, Vice Chairman Dr. Shakeel Shaikh, U.S. Chapter President Tahira Sharif, Senior Advisors Nighat Khan and Sohail Warraich. A three-day convention is scheduled from February 3 to 5, focusing on overseas Pakistanis' concerns.

On day one, a briefing on the convention will be held, followed by sessions with various institutions and ministries. On day two, attendees will meet with the Prime Minister at the PM House, followed by a luncheon.

On day three, participants will visit the martyrs' cemetery to pay tribute to national heroes. NPC President Azhar Jatoi welcomed the delegation, acknowledging the crucial role of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s economy. He emphasized that although they reside abroad, their hearts beat for Pakistan, and they should be granted reserved seats in the National Assembly and facilitated through a one-window operation. NPC Secretary Nayyar Ali also praised the contributions of overseas Pakistanis.

The introduction of a Charter of Economy, similar to the Charter of Democracy, ensuring policy continuity. Training for airport staff to improve professionalism and ensure respectful treatment of travellers.

Reviewing and improving the PECA Act in consultation with the journalist community. Recognizing overseas Pakistanis as national assets and providing them with better investment opportunities.

Ensuring swift resolution of cases concerning overseas Pakistanis through a fast-track legal mechanism. Zaheer Akhtar Mehr expressed hope that the government would take serious steps to address these legitimate demands, ensuring that overseas Pakistanis continue contributing to Pakistan's economic growth and stability.