Author: OPN
UK Community Leader Meets OPF Chairman in Islamaba A delegation led by prominent UK-based community leader Chaudhry Abdul Ghaffar held a meeting with Chairman Board of Governors, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza at the OPF Head Office in Islamabad. Chaudhry Abdul Ghaffar was accompanied by his associates during the meeting. During the interaction, matters related to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis were discussed in detail. The delegation highlighted various issues being faced by the overseas community, particularly those related to administrative procedures, facilitation services, and support mechanisms in Pakistan. Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza assured the delegation that…
The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, will hold the Overseas Kashmiris Convention 2026 in Muzaffarabad from February 15 to 17. The convention aims to engage overseas Kashmiris on key issues affecting them and to strengthen their connection with Azad Kashmir. During the convention, group discussions and dialogue sessions will be organized to deliberate on challenges faced by overseas Kashmiris, investment opportunities in Azad Kashmir, and other important matters. The sessions are expected to provide a structured platform for meaningful interaction between stakeholders. Overseas Kashmiris will be able to raise their legitimate grievances…
A grand Overseas Convention was held in Barcelona on January 25, 2026, under the auspices of HOOP (Hope of Overseas Pakistanis), which was attended by a large number of overseas Pakistanis across Spain and Europe. Federal Minister for Law & Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar and Syed Qamar Raza Shah, Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, addressed the convention, highlighting legal facilitation, institutional reforms, and effective grievance redressal for overseas Pakistanis, along with progress on key overseas-focused policy initiatives. The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, Ambassador of Pakistan to Spain; Dr. Sajid Tarar, Patron-in-Chief HOOP; Ahsan Bhoon, Member Pakistan…
Islamabad: The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, H.E. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, represented Pakistan at the 3rd Edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) held in Riyadh, where he underscored Pakistan’s commitment to modern labour policies, skills readiness, and alignment with international best practices. During the high-level Ministerial Roundtable, the Federal Minister presented Pakistan’s stance on labour market transformation, emphasizing a shift toward dynamic, demand-driven skills alignment, digitisation of the Bureau of Emigration, and the integration of training curriculum with real-time global labour demand. He highlighted Pakistan’s focus on high-growth sectors such as construction, healthcare,…
A key training session for focal persons of the Sahiwal Division was held at the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab under the chairmanship of Commissioner Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab, Saman Rai. The session was attended by Director Police Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Director Revenue Shoaib Nuswana, along with other relevant officers. Officials provided participants with a detailed briefing on the effective use of the Overseas Pakistanis Portal, focusing on improving user facilitation and ensuring timely and efficient redressal of complaints submitted by overseas Pakistanis. Emphasis was placed on standard procedures and coordinated handling of cases across departments. The session also addressed challenges…
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development raised concerns over fraudulent activities, visa violations and welfare challenges faced by Pakistani workers abroad during a meeting held on Tuesday at the Parliament House. Chaired by Syed Rafiullah, the committee reviewed overseas employment trends and assessed the performance of Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) across major host countries. Members emphasized the need for urgent awareness campaigns, strict legal compliance and stronger coordination among institutions to safeguard millions of Pakistani workers. Persistent visa-related problems and recurring fraud cases were questioned, with the committee stressing that inadequate information and weak…
Pakistan’s Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is valid solely for return travel to Pakistan and cannot be used for journeys to third countries or for long-term stay abroad. In some countries, immigration authorities grant a special exit permission on this document, subject to their local laws and regulations. Officials said applicants must not have any serious criminal or unresolved immigration cases pending against them, as such circumstances may lead to a delay or outright rejection of the Emergency Travel Document. In certain cases, Pakistani authorities issue the document only after obtaining clearance from the host country’s immigration authorities. According to the…
The federal government has assured overseas Pakistanis that their illegally occupied properties in Islamabad will be protected, with swift administrative action promised against encroachments. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that any reported case of illegal occupation would be resolved within seven days, directing the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to take immediate action to safeguard investors’ rights. Officials said the government was committed to creating a secure and investor-friendly environment in the federal capital, emphasizing that expatriates’ investments were valued. They added that transparent and decisive action would be taken against land grabbers and mafias involved in illegal seizures, aiming to deter…
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Overseas Pakistani Foundation, Syed Qamar Raza, held a meeting with former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan. The meeting focused on issues faced by overseas Pakistanis and initiatives to support their engagement with Pakistan. During the discussions, both leaders talked about upcoming projects, including the Overseas Business Conference in Muzaffarabad, aimed at promoting investment opportunities and facilitating diaspora participation in economic development. Various other matters concerning the welfare and support of overseas Pakistanis were also addressed. The meeting was attended by senior journalist Ishtiaq Abbasi, who highlighted…
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the National Assembly that 3,523 Pakistani nationals were imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during 2025, while thousands received legal assistance and a significant number were released through clemency measures. The information was shared in official data submitted to the House, outlining the scale of consular challenges faced by Pakistani missions in the UAE. According to the ministry, 1,050 Pakistani prisoners were held in prisons and rehabilitation centers in Abu Dhabi alone. Pakistani diplomatic missions across the UAE provided legal assistance and counselling to 769 prisoners up to November 2025, covering both…