ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday unveiled a landmark package of incentives aimed at honoring and empowering Pakistan’s expatriate community. The initiative was announced during the Overseas Pakistanis Convention held in Islamabad, attended by over 1,200 expatriates from around the globe.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised more than 10 million overseas Pakistanis as the “pride of the nation” and acknowledged their critical role in nation-building, economic support, and global representation of Pakistan.
A Two-Day Convention to Address Expatriate Issues
The two-day event was specifically designed to highlight and address the key challenges faced by the Pakistani diaspora. Participants from North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia engaged with government officials, sharing their concerns regarding legal issues, property disputes, investment hurdles, and lack of representation.
In response, the Prime Minister announced a welfare-oriented package focusing on legal facilitation, educational quotas, skills training for expatriate children, and improved services at Pakistani embassies.
Special Courts and Legal Reforms for Overseas Pakistanis
One of the most significant announcements was the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis. Shehbaz Sharif revealed that the first such court has already been set up in Islamabad, and similar courts are being planned for Punjab and Balochistan, with efforts to expand to all provinces.
These courts aim to resolve longstanding legal battles, particularly concerning property disputes, inheritance issues, and fraudulent litigation, which often plague overseas citizens.
To further streamline the judicial process, the government will introduce e-recording and e-filing systems, allowing overseas Pakistanis to present evidence via video link—a revolutionary move that will reduce the need for costly and time-consuming international travel. The implementation of this digital legal service is expected to be completed within 60 days.
Educational Quotas for Children of Overseas Pakistanis
To ensure access to higher education for the children of expatriates, the Prime Minister announced significant educational quotas:
- 5% quota in all universities across Pakistan.
- 15% quota in medical colleges.
This initiative aims to reward overseas families for their financial contributions to the country and encourage them to invest further in their children’s education within Pakistan.
Vocational Training for Overseas Pakistani Youth
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for skills development and vocational training to enhance employment prospects for the children of overseas Pakistanis. Under the announced package, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) will offer 5,000 skill-based courses to equip youth with modern, market-relevant training.
This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen human capital development and integrate skilled youth into Pakistan’s economic growth trajectory.
Employment Relaxation and Quotas in Government Jobs
In another groundbreaking measure, the federal government has introduced age relaxation in the recruitment process for overseas Pakistanis:
- Five-year age relaxation for male applicants.
- Seven-year age relaxation for female applicants.
These measures are intended to encourage the diaspora to return and serve in the government sector, utilizing their international experience and skills to contribute to the national workforce.
Special Facilitation Offices for Land and Property Disputes
To address one of the most pressing concerns of overseas Pakistanis—property and land-related disputes—the government has launched special facilitation desks within the Boards of Revenue in Punjab and Balochistan. Plans are underway to extend these services to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
These offices are tasked with offering swift resolution, transparency, and digital access to land records, minimizing fraud and exploitation.
Digital Reforms and Overseas Facilitation in Embassies
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the digital reforms introduced in Punjab, including online sale deed registration, which he said would now be tested at the Pakistani High Commission in London. Depending on the pilot’s success, the system will be replicated in other Pakistani diplomatic missions around the world to better serve the diaspora.
Green Channel Reinstatement at Airports
In an effort to streamline airport procedures for returning Pakistanis, Shehbaz Sharif announced the revival of the Green Channel—a facility originally introduced by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The channel, aimed at simplifying customs clearance for returning citizens, is set to resume within a week and will ease the travel experience for expatriates.
Plans for an International Airport in Mirpur, AJK
Acknowledging the high number of overseas Pakistanis hailing from Mirpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the Prime Minister disclosed that a feasibility study is being conducted for the establishment of an international airport in the region. This development will significantly reduce travel burdens for Mirpur-based expatriates and boost local economic activity.
Civil Awards and Recognition on August 14
To honor the exceptional contributions of overseas Pakistanis, Shehbaz Sharif announced that civil awards will be conferred annually on August 14 to expatriates who demonstrate outstanding achievements, particularly in remittance contributions, investments, and community service.
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and Pakistani diplomatic missions will be tasked with submitting nominations for the awards.
Record Remittances and Economic Role of the Diaspora
Highlighting the massive financial support provided by the diaspora, Shehbaz Sharif shared that $4.1 billion in remittances were sent to Pakistan in March 2025 alone. He expressed optimism that total remittances for the fiscal year may surpass the country’s export revenues.
Such robust inflows play a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, supporting foreign exchange reserves, and funding development projects.
Commitment to Protecting Expat Investments
In a powerful statement, the Prime Minister pledged to personally oversee all investments made by overseas Pakistanis. “I will be your CEO,” he declared, assuring expatriates that their investments will be protected, monitored, and facilitated through collaboration between the federal government and local business communities.
National Security and Support for Armed Forces
Touching on national security, Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that Pakistan’s defense is impregnable and credited the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He specifically commended General Asim Munir, describing him as “a man of words and unmatched capability” whose leadership has ensured the country’s safety.
Shehbaz emphasized that terrorism had been defeated in 2018 but warned of renewed threats, calling out those funding extremist activities and undermining national stability.
Condemnation of Social Media Campaigns Against the Military
The Prime Minister condemned “venomous narratives” circulating on social media against the armed forces, urging the public to respond with logic, unity, and patriotism. He reminded the nation of the 80,000 lives lost, including both civilians and military personnel, in the fight against extremism.
Foreign Policy: Standing with Kashmir and Gaza
Reiterating Pakistan’s foreign policy commitments, Shehbaz Sharif voiced strong support for the people of Kashmir and Gaza, condemning brutal ceasefire violations and the martyrdom of over 50,000 Muslims in Gaza. He stressed that Pakistan will always stand by just causes and the oppressed, reflecting the country’s longstanding stance on human rights and justice.
Conclusion: A Historic Step Towards Empowering Overseas Pakistanis
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of a sweeping welfare and empowerment package for overseas Pakistanis marks a historic milestone in the nation’s approach to its global diaspora. With reforms in legal access, education, skills development, investment facilitation, and airport services, the government aims to foster a stronger bond with the expatriate community.
As the Prime Minister concluded his address, he reaffirmed his belief that overseas Pakistanis are not only the backbone of Pakistan’s economy but also ambassadors of the country’s values and potential. With this comprehensive package, the government sends a clear message: Pakistan values, protects, and empowers its global citizens.
