The Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza, highlighted the crucial economic role of the Pakistani diaspora, stating that overseas Pakistanis contribute over USD 38 billion annually through remittances.
He made these remarks during an interactive session with the Pakistani community at the Pakistan Social Centre in Sharjah.
The event was hosted by the Centre’s President, Khalid Hussain Chaudhry, and attended by Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai, H.E. Hussain Muhammad, community welfare attachés, and business council representatives.
The session aimed to foster dialogue between OPF leadership and the diaspora, offering a platform for sharing ideas and concerns.
Community leaders appreciated the successful Overseas Pakistanis Convention held earlier this year and commended OPF’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of Pakistanis living abroad.
In his speech, Syed Qamar Raza stressed the importance of sending remittances through legal channels, noting that these contributions are vital to Pakistan’s economic strength and support multiple sectors of national development.
He outlined key initiatives introduced for the welfare of expatriates and their families, including enhanced service delivery, educational support, and skill development programs.
A major announcement included a new comprehensive plan to improve access to quality education for Pakistani students residing in the UAE.
Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Raza stated that a 5% quota in educational institutions and 5,000 NAVTTC skill development program seats have been reserved for children of overseas Pakistanis.
He also addressed legal concerns, confirming the establishment of special courts in Pakistan to handle property disputes involving expatriates, ensuring timely and transparent resolution of their issues.
The Chairman announced that the next Overseas Pakistanis Convention will be held in April 2026, attributing the event’s growing success to the active participation and engagement of the overseas community.
Raza concluded by stressing the importance of such sessions in helping the government understand diaspora challenges and design effective, inclusive policies for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis worldwide.
