Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduces a wide range of benefits for overseas Pakistanis, including education quotas and job opportunities.
Historic Step for Overseas Pakistanis:
In a major move to support and honour overseas Pakistanis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced a special package of incentives during the First Annual Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad. This plan covers many important areas like education, jobs, legal support, and national recognition. Over 10 million Pakistanis live and work abroad. Their hard work and remittances have always played a big role in Pakistan’s economy. PM Shehbaz’s new initiative is aimed at strengthening their bond with the country.
Bright Futures for Children of Expatriates:
One of the main highlights of the package is the new educational opportunities for children of overseas Pakistanis. PM Shehbaz announced specific quotas to ensure that their children can study in top institutions without unnecessary hurdles.
- 5% quota in all universities across Pakistan.
- 5% quota in higher education institutions in Islamabad.
- 15% quota in medical colleges across the country.
Quotas will help expatriate families provide their children with high-quality education right in their home country. It also helps connect the younger generation to their roots.
Legal Help:
Overseas Pakistanis often face legal problems in Pakistan but find it hard to deal with them while living abroad. To fix this, the Prime Minister announced major legal reforms.
- A special court for overseas Pakistanis has already been launched in Islamabad.
- These courts will soon be set up in Punjab and Balochistan.
- E-filing and video link systems will be introduced to allow overseas citizens to take part in cases without coming to Pakistan.
A big relief for those who spend years trying to resolve land disputes or property issues. These steps will reduce fake cases and speed up justice.
Honouring Financial Support:
PM Shehbaz also praised overseas Pakistanis for sending a record-breaking $4.1 billion in remittances in March alone. He acknowledged that the country’s economy strongly depends on their support.
To honour this contribution:
- Overseas Pakistanis will be treated as tax filers in financial matters, helping them avoid extra deductions.
- Every year on August 14, civil awards will be given to top contributors based on their remittances.
- Nominations for these awards will come from embassies and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).
This move will encourage more expatriates to send money through legal channels and stay involved in the country’s progress.
Job Opportunities and Skill Training:
The Prime Minister also announced several programs to support job seekers and youth in the overseas community:
- Five-year age relaxation for male overseas Pakistanis applying for government jobs.
- Seven-year age relaxation for female applicants.
- 5,000 skill development courses will be offered by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
These steps aim to prepare the children of overseas Pakistanis for professional life and help them become self-sufficient.
Better Travel and Infrastructure Facilities:
The government also plans to improve travel and infrastructure services for overseas Pakistanis.
- A feasibility study has started for building an international airport in Mirpur, AJK, a region with a large number of expatriates.
- The Green Channel at airports will be revived to ensure smooth immigration and customs for overseas travellers.
These changes will make travel easier and more respectful for those coming from abroad to visit family or invest in the country.
Property and Revenue Support:
Land and property disputes are one of the biggest complaints among overseas Pakistanis. To solve this:
- Special facilitation offices have been set up by the Boards of Revenue in Punjab and Balochistan.
- The same model will be introduced in KP, Sindh, and AJK soon.
Digital property reforms in Punjab, such as online sale deed registration, will also be launched at Pakistani embassies, starting with London. This will save expatriates from scams and fake documents.
National Security:
PM Shehbaz also thanked overseas Pakistanis for standing with Pakistan during tough times. He assured them that the country’s defence was strong and safe under the leadership of the armed forces. He specifically praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for being a trustworthy and capable leader. He also condemned false anti-army narratives on social media and reminded people of the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the nation.
Standing with Justice:
He also used the platform to show solidarity with Muslims worldwide. He highlighted Pakistan’s support for
- The freedom struggle in Kashmir.
- The people of Gaza, where more than 50,000 Muslims have been martyred in recent attacks.
He assured the diaspora that Pakistan will continue to support these causes on global platforms.
Investment Support:
PM Shehbaz Sharif said:
“I will be your CEO. My cabinet and the business community will ensure your investments are safe and grow.”
This shows the government’s clear intention to provide a business-friendly environment for overseas investors. New systems are being developed to reduce red tape and boost confidence among potential investors from abroad.
Conclusion:
The incentive package announced by PM Shehbaz Sharif is a big and positive step towards building stronger ties with overseas Pakistanis. From education and jobs to legal support and national honors, this plan covers every major need of the diaspora.
It not only shows the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad but also opens up new paths for their involvement in the country’s development. If these promises are implemented fully and on time, this could be the beginning of a golden chapter in Pakistan’s relationship with its expatriate community.
