Author: OPN
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…
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched an important initiative to facilitate overseas Pakistanis by helping them secure their mobile SIM cards and prevent suspension during extended stays abroad. The move aims to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity for Pakistanis living overseas, enabling them to remain connected with family, friends, and essential services in Pakistan. In a statement shared on social media, the PTA said overseas subscribers can safeguard their SIM cards for a specified period by informing their respective cellular companies and paying the applicable charges. The authority said the initiative allows overseas Pakistanis to retain ownership of their mobile…
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Aun Chaudhry has announced that the government will organize a major Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad in April 2026. He shared the announcement while speaking exclusively to Overseas Pakistanis News, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on engaging the Pakistani diaspora. The minister said the convention will bring together overseas Pakistanis from across the world to provide them a platform to directly interact with key government stakeholders. He added that the event aims to address issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, improve service delivery, and strengthen trust between the diaspora and state…
JEDDAH: President Coordination Committee and Finance Secretary of Pakistan Investors Forum, Raja Muhammad Riaz, along with renowned educationist Professor Dr. Muhammad Moeenuddin, held an introductory meeting with Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, strengthening community linkages, and promoting investment opportunities in Pakistan. Raja Muhammad Riaz briefed the Consul General on the role and objectives of the Coordination Committee, highlighting its efforts to enhance coordination between overseas Pakistanis and relevant institutions. Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani appreciated the initiatives being taken for the welfare of…
A prominent Arab daily ‘Khaleej Times’ has termed the initiatives taken by the government of Pakistan for addressing the issues of overseas Pakistanis and creating job opportunities as crucial for improving the economy. In an article, the daily said the government of Pakistan introduced comprehensive reforms to address the issues of Pakistani expatriates, boost skills and create employment opportunities. It said creating employment opportunities abroad is also key to skill development and the country’s economic progress. Pakistan aims to create eight hundred thousand jobs in the United Arab Emirates and other countries this year, showing an increase of sixty thousand…