Islamabad, April 15, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday unveiled a comprehensive package of initiatives to recognize the contributions of overseas Pakistanis, calling them the “crown of the nation” and praising their role in bolstering the national economy.
Speaking at a high-profile event attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, federal ministers, governors, chief ministers, and parliamentarians, the premier paid tribute to the more than 10 million Pakistanis living abroad. He highlighted their contributions, particularly through record-breaking remittances, which have helped stabilize the economy.
“Overseas Pakistanis earn a halal livelihood in fields such as medicine, engineering, and education. Their hearts continue to beat for Pakistan,” the prime minister said.
He noted that remittances reached $4.1 billion in the past month alone, with the total expected to touch $30 billion by the end of the fiscal year in June. “These funds help bridge critical foreign exchange shortfalls,” he added.
To formally acknowledge their role, PM Shehbaz announced several new measures:
- Civil awards: Starting this year, 15 overseas Pakistanis (both men and women) will receive civil awards annually on August 14, based on highest remittances and achievements in their professional fields.
- Educational quotas: A 5% quota in federally chartered universities and a 15% quota in medical colleges will be reserved for children of overseas Pakistanis, opening 3,000 seats for medical education.
- Skill training: 5,000 children of overseas Pakistanis will be enrolled in vocational training programs.
- Career flexibility for women: Women returning from abroad will be eligible for government jobs with a seven-year career gap allowance.
In a significant move, the prime minister announced the establishment of special courts in Islamabad and Punjab to expedite legal cases involving overseas Pakistanis. Similar legislation is being considered in Balochistan, with civil court amendments also in progress.
A dedicated office for overseas Pakistanis has been established within the Federal Ombudsman’s Office. Meanwhile, the digital land record system launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will soon be rolled out at Pakistani embassies, beginning with the High Commission in London.
“Pakistani diplomats must serve overseas citizens with dignity and respect—they are our true ambassadors,” the PM emphasized.
He also encouraged expatriates to bring their investments directly to the Prime Minister’s Office, promising them red-carpet treatment.
The prime minister confirmed that feasibility approval had been granted for an international airport in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, aimed at improving travel access for overseas communities and stimulating regional trade and tourism.
Additionally, he announced the revival of the Green Channel system at airports—originally introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure—to ease travel for overseas Pakistanis.
National Security and Economic Outlook
Touching on national security, PM Shehbaz praised the military’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and denounced those spreading misinformation on social media targeting martyred personnel.
“Our brave soldiers protect your children by sacrificing their own. We must honour their courage,” he said, recalling that over 80,000 lives were lost during the peak of terrorism in Pakistan.
He acknowledged past policy failures that allowed militancy to resurface in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but reaffirmed his government’s resolve to restore peace.
On the economic front, the prime minister credited overseas Pakistanis and the coalition government for steering the country toward recovery, citing lower inflation, rising reserves, and steady growth indicators.
“If we maintain this unity and momentum, Pakistan can emerge as one of the great powers of the world,” he said.
Calling on overseas Pakistanis to counter misinformation and defend the country’s image, the prime minister said, “Promise that wherever you are, you will fight the enemies of Pakistan, just as our armed forces fight terrorists.”
He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the people of Kashmir and Palestine, pledging continued diplomatic and political backing in line with public sentiment.
