Author: OPN

Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Awn Chaudhry has called on relevant authorities to enhance services and facilitation measures for the Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates. He stressed the need for more effective support mechanisms to address the concerns of overseas Pakistanis. The minister, along with Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhry Ehsan ul Haq Bajwa and Managing Director of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Muhammad Afzal Bhatti, held meetings with local Pakistani business leaders in the UAE. The discussions focused on initiatives aimed at improving welfare, access to services, and institutional support for the expatriate community. During…

Ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco, Sayed Adil Gilani, met with Shaheryar Memon, focal person to the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), and a member of his delegation at the Pakistan Embassy in Morocco during their participation in the Islamic African Arab Dialogue on Democracy, Peace and Security. During the meeting, Shaheryar Memon briefed Ambassador Gilani on the objectives, activities, and vision of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, with a focus on promoting Pakistan’s trade and engagement in international markets. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations in various sectors. Memon said that Pakistan and Morocco…

Germany has shifted job and student visa categories entirely to the Consular Services Portal, affecting individuals seeking employment or education in the country. The German Consulate said the transition is aimed at improving efficiency, speed, and transparency in the visa application process while increasing overall visa availability. According to the consulate, the new digital system is expected to reduce delays and accelerate the processing of visa applications. Under the previous mechanism, applicants often faced difficulties due to lengthy appointment waiting lists and limited access to submission slots. With the introduction of the portal, applicants can now submit their visa applications…

The government of Pakistan has introduced a mandatory digital payment system for citizens traveling abroad for employment to curb illegal deductions, excessive charges, and exploitation linked to cash-based transactions. The initiative aims to regulate financial dealings between overseas employment promoters (OEPs) and job candidates. According to a notification issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, all payments between OEPs and job seekers must now be carried out strictly through approved banking or digital payment channels. Cash transactions have been completely prohibited under the new policy. The decision follows a rise in complaints regarding overcharging, unauthorized fees, and illegal…

A new digital fingerprint verification system has been launched in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to facilitate identity confirmation for applicants, particularly overseas Pakistanis. According to an official statement, the system enables users to verify their identity through the Pak ID app. The newly introduced mechanism also provides a facial verification option for applicants who face difficulties with fingerprint authentication. Authorities said this feature offers greater flexibility and aims to address long-standing complaints related to online biometric verification. Overseas Pakistanis had repeatedly reported problems with fingerprint verification while accessing online services. These concerns led to the…

A high-level delegation from the Bursa Aerospace and Defense Cluster Association (BASDEC) and the Defence Industry Agency of the Republic of Türkiye is in Pakistan from December 09–12, 2025 to explore opportunities for joint projects, technology partnerships, and industrial collaboration with Pakistani defense entities. The 16-member delegation, led by Dr. Mustafa Hatipoğlu (Chairman, BASDEC) and Engr. Ahmet Khan (Chairman, Defence Systems), along with General Managers from leading Turkish aerospace and defense manufacturing companies, visited the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Head Office in Islamabad on December 10, 2025, which is the apex body for regulating engineering education and professional practice in…

Islamabad (Web Desk) The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is reviewing a proposal to reduce taxes imposed on mobile phones brought into Pakistan by overseas Pakistanis. Officials confirmed that the move aims to ease the financial burden on expatriates who frequently face high tax rates when bringing devices from abroad. Data from the current year shows that Rs82 billion has been collected in taxes on mobile phone purchases within the country, while Rs18 billion was generated from taxes on imported mobile phones. The figures highlight the significant revenue impact of the sector and the potential implications of any tax adjustments.…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $3.2 billion in overseas workers’ remittances in November 2025, registering a 9.4% year-on-year increase compared to $2.9 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Despite the annual rise, November inflows fell 7% from the $3.4 billion received in October. During the first five months of FY26, total remittances reached $16.1 billion, up from $14.8 billion in the corresponding period of FY25 — an increase of 9.3%. These inflows remain crucial for stabilizing Pakistan’s external account, supporting domestic economic activity, and contributing significantly to household incomes. The…

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a series of stringent amendments to regulate vehicle imports by overseas Pakistanis, aiming to curb longstanding misuse of existing schemes. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, following detailed proposals from the Ministry of Commerce. Under the revised framework, vehicles imported through the Transfer of Residence scheme must now originate from the same country where the overseas Pakistani resides. The Commerce Ministry stated that this verification requirement is intended to stop third-country shipments, a loophole that has enabled the misuse of the scheme for years.…

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Syed Qamar Raza is set to visit Portugal to participate in the 2025 Hope of Overseas Pakistanis Convention scheduled for December 13 in Lisbon. The event comes at a significant moment following the recent approval of dual citizenship between Pakistan and Portugal. According to organizers, the Overseas Pakistanis Convention will take place at the Community Hall of Masjid Markazi in Lisbon, where overseas community members, dignitaries, and notable personalities are expected to gather. The convention aims to highlight Pakistan–Portugal ties and address issues concerning the Pakistani diaspora. Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza will deliver…