PM Shehbaz Sharif praises overseas Pakistanis, announces major policy reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while speaking at the inaugural Overseas Pakistani Convention, recognized the vital role of more than 10 million Pakistanis living abroad. He called them the true ambassadors of Pakistan, emphasizing that their well-being and ease remain a top government priority.

The Prime Minister applauded the relentless hard work and dedication of overseas citizens who not only uplift the country’s image globally but also serve as a source of economic strength by sending home remittances and supporting their families.

War on Terror:

Discussing national security, PM Shehbaz reminded the audience of Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism—over 80,000 lives lost. He emphasized that although terrorism had been eradicated by 2018, poor policy decisions by the previous regime allowed its resurgence. However, he assured that the nation’s defense remains strong under the vigilance of its security forces.

Judicial and Administrative Reforms for Overseas Pakistanis:

To address the longstanding legal challenges faced by expatriates, the Prime Minister announced the creation of special courts in Islamabad and the initiation of similar efforts in Punjab. He also requested collaboration from the superior judici in Sindh, Balochistan, KP, and other regions.

Efforts to streamline legal processes include the introduction of video-link evidence recording, digital case filing, and the goal to enable complete e-filing of cases within 60 days.

Legal and Educational Privileges:

The Prime Minister unveiled a series of benefits for the children of overseas Pakistanis. These include a 15% reserved quota in medical colleges and vocational training opportunities through NAVTTC (NewTech). He also increased the job age relaxation for overseas women from 5 to 7 years.

To ease financial processes, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will treat overseas Pakistanis as active filers for banking and investment purposes.

Remittances and Their Role in the Economy:

Acknowledging the economic impact of overseas citizens, PM Shehbaz revealed that by March 2025, remittances had reached $4.1 billion. He credited this to the trust and patriotism of Pakistanis abroad.

To further facilitate them, special facilitation desks have been set up in the Boards of Revenue in Islamabad, Punjab, and Balochistan. Plans are underway to expand these services to other provinces and regions including KP, Sindh, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

International Stance and Support:

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for oppressed nations, the Prime Minister reiterated that Kashmir is Pakistan’s lifeline and promised continued political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmir cause.

He also expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of over 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, urging the global community to act immediately and call for a ceasefire.

Announcement to Build an Airport in Mirpur:

In a major development for AJK, PM Shehbaz announced plans for a new airport in Mirpur. Additionally, he declared that an online system for sale deed registration will be introduced at the Pakistani High Commission in London, streamlining property transactions for overseas citizens.

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister encouraged overseas Pakistanis to actively counter anti-Pakistan narratives, emphasizing that they are the nation’s most credible spokespersons on the global stage.