Author: Zeeshan
Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman, Board of Governors, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), along with Managing Director OPF, Mr. Mohammed Afzaal Bhatti, attended a dinner in Lahore hosted by UK-based overseas Pakistani Mr. Kamran Atta. The event brought together a large number of overseas Pakistanis residing in Europe and other regions. The gathering provided an opportunity for interaction between OPF leadership and members of the Pakistani diaspora, with discussions focusing on issues faced by overseas Pakistanis and their role in national development. Participants shared concerns related to facilitation, investment, and service delivery. During the event, the contributions of expatriate Pakistanis in supporting…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the establishment of special courts for Overseas Pakistanis under the Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act, 2024. The initiative aims to ensure expedited resolution of property-related disputes involving overseas Pakistanis. Under the approved framework, the Special Courts for Overseas Pakistanis’ Property will be mandated to dispose of cases within 90 days. The move is intended to address long-standing legal delays and provide effective judicial relief to Pakistanis living abroad who face property disputes in the province. Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza, said the approval reflects sustained institutional efforts to…
Pakistan has approved dual citizenship for its nationals residing in Germany, allowing them to acquire German nationality without relinquishing their Pakistani citizenship. The decision marks a significant policy shift aimed at addressing long-standing legal and social concerns faced by overseas Pakistanis living in Europe. Under the updated framework, dual citizenship with Germany is now formally recognized under the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. Pakistani nationals can obtain German citizenship while retaining their Pakistani nationality, making dual status legal and permanent. The approval is based solely on Pakistan’s domestic laws, with no changes required under German legislation. With this decision, Germany becomes…
Convention 2026 will be held to highlight the Kashmir issue at the international level and to create investment opportunities for overseas Kashmiris, Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Syed Qamar Raza said in an interview with senior journalist Ishtiaq Abbasi. He also shared these views during a meeting with former Deputy Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Shaheen Kousar Dar at the OPF office in Islamabad. Chairman OPF said overseas Kashmiris have played a historic role in raising awareness about the Kashmir issue across the world. He added that the Kashmiri community living abroad has consistently used international forums to highlight human…
Raja Nasir, former Minister for Tourism, Planning and Development in the Gilgit-Baltistan government, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to discuss key issues faced by overseas Pakistanis belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan. During the meeting, Raja Nasir requested the establishment of an OPF office within the premises of the Gilgit-Baltistan government to facilitate overseas Pakistanis and improve access to support services. He emphasized that a local office would help address grievances more effectively and strengthen institutional coordination. Raja Nasir also proposed the organization of a dedicated convention for overseas Pakistanis from Gilgit-Baltistan. He said such a…
Pakistan has approved the designation of UK-based Norse Atlantic Airways to operate direct flights to the country, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced. The decision allows the European airline to begin scheduled services, marking an expansion of Pakistan’s international aviation links. According to Asif, Norse Atlantic Airways will launch direct flight operations from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad. He said the approval reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to enhance international air connectivity and improve direct access to the federal capital. The defence minister said the increasing presence of international airlines in Pakistan is expected to create a more competitive aviation environment.…
Pakistani student Chaudhry Faisal Mahmood has secured a significant victory by being elected President of the Student Union at Suffolk County College, the largest campus within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The election, which ran for nearly two weeks, concluded after students cast their votes through the college’s online portal between April 28 and May 1. His win marks a proud moment for the Pakistani community in the United States. Faisal Mahmood will represent more than 25,000 students during the 2025–2026 academic year, taking on leadership responsibilities at one of New York’s major educational institutions. He attributed…
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged the vital role overseas Pakistanis play in deepening Pakistan-UK relations, highlighting their contribution during a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 77th birthday of King Charles III. The Prime Minister noted that nearly two million British citizens of Pakistani origin are actively serving in key sectors across the United Kingdom, enriching the longstanding partnership between the two nations. Addressing the gathering, Shehbaz Sharif commended King Charles III for a lifetime dedicated to public service, calling him an inspiration for millions across the UK, the Commonwealth and the wider world. He expressed gratitude for the…
U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his previously strict position on the H-1B visa policy, acknowledging the importance of skilled foreign professionals for the American economy. According to international media reports, Trump defended the role of foreign talent in a recent interview, describing the H-1B program as essential for sectors facing acute shortages of qualified local workers, including technology, manufacturing and defense. The remarks come at a time when his administration has introduced new restrictions on the visa category, creating challenges for U.S. companies. During the interview, Trump was questioned about the tightened rules imposed on H-1B holders. He responded…
Oman has launched a new Cultural Visa aimed at attracting skilled and creative individuals from around the world. According to a statement issued by the Royal Oman Police on the social media platform X, the visa is designed to provide foreign nationals with a clear legal route for temporary stay and work in the fields of arts and culture. The Cultural Visa functions as a special entry permit granted exclusively to foreigners visiting Oman for cultural purposes. It is issued upon the request and responsibility of a relevant host institution, such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, educational…