Islamabad, 15 April 2025

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif has announced a wide-ranging package of incentives and reforms aimed at addressing the longstanding concerns of overseas Pakistanis. Announced during the inaugural two-day Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, the measures include legal relief, educational and job quotas, civil awards, and skill development opportunities.

The event, attended by more than 1,200 overseas Pakistanis from across the globe, recognized the contributions of over 10 million expatriates, whom the Prime Minister described as 'the pride of the nation'.

A significant highlight of the announcement was the establishment of a dedicated court in Islamabad to address legal cases involving overseas Pakistanis, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide. To streamline legal processes, the government is also introducing e-recording and e-filing systems, allowing expatriates to give testimony via video link without traveling to Pakistan. NADRA has been instructed to complete this project within 60 days.

The Prime Minister outlined new quotas in education: a 5% quota for overseas Pakistanis’ children in all chartered universities (10,000 seats), 5% in Islamabad-based degree-awarding institutions, and 15% in medical colleges. Additionally, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will classify overseas Pakistanis as "filers," allowing them banking and tax benefits.

In a move to empower the diaspora’s younger generation, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) will offer 5,000 skill development courses for the children of overseas Pakistanis. Age relaxation has also been granted for government job applicants—five years for men and seven years for women residing abroad.

To assist with land and revenue issues, facilitation offices have been set up by the Boards of Revenue in Punjab and Balochistan, with plans to expand to other provinces. Digital reforms like online registration of sale deeds will be piloted at the Pakistani High Commission in London and extended to other missions globally.

The Prime Minister also announced the revival of the Green Channel at airports to ease travel procedures. Outstanding members of the diaspora will now be eligible for civil awards every year on August 14, based on remittance contributions.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and Gaza, condemned social media campaigns against the military, and acknowledged the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.

The Prime Minister pledged to safeguard the investments of overseas Pakistanis and personally oversee facilitation efforts. Chairman OPF, Syed Qamar Raza, confirmed that 14 key demands were positively addressed and announced that an annual overseas convention will be held every April.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Syed Asim Munir, addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, firmly stated that no group of terrorists can dictate Pakistan’s future. 'Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan or Pakistan', he said, calling Balochistan a symbol of pride and national strength.

He praised the unwavering support of overseas Pakistanis, calling their passion inspiring and their connection to the nation unbreakable. Rejecting the term "brain drain," Gen Munir described the diaspora as a “brain gain,” shining examples of Pakistan’s global presence.

Emphasizing resilience, he highlighted Pakistan's rich natural resources and deep-rooted heritage, stressing that the nation has never bowed to adversity and never will. He urged overseas Pakistanis to pass on Pakistan’s legacy and values to future generations.

Honoring the country’s martyrs, he said their sacrifices are sacred and everlasting. On regional issues, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Kashmir and Gaza, calling Kashmir the country’s "jugular vein."

Gen Munir concluded with a powerful message: 'The question is not if Pakistan will progress—but how fast', as the crowd chanted, 'Pakistan Zindabad'.