EU team calls on OPC officials

LAHORE

A four-member delegation of European Union (EU) and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday held talks with Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab Vice-Chairperson Shaheen Khalid Butt and Commissioner Afzaal Bhatti. 

The purpose of the meeting was to sensitise the OPC high-ups about the EU and IOM programme aimed at strengthening reintegration mechanism for Pakistani returnees and gaining updated information about the initiatives of OPC for the welfare of expatriate Pakistanis.

The OPC officers informed the delegation that the step of establishing OPC had been taken to secure the rights of Pakistanis living abroad. Since its inception, OPC has executed exceptional performance in resolution of complaints of overseas Pakistanis and 50 percent issues had been resolved amicably. They said that OPC, EU and IOM could work together in management of migration issues and to provide assistance to migrants.

The delegates apprised the OPC high-ups that EU and IOM wanted to enhance community resilience by supporting locally led community development projects. They said it was encouraging that Punjab had taken a lead by establishing a dedicated institution for the welfare of expatriates.  

Certain proposals for rehabilitation of deported persons also came under discussion during the meeting. The delegation comprised Inge Zorn (EU), Junaid Khan, Saima Amjad and Saad Rehman (IOM).