Overseas Pakistanis” refers to the citizens or individuals of Pakistani origin who are living outside of Pakistan. This includes those who have migrated to other countries, those born to Pakistani parents in another country, as well as Pakistani nationals working abroad for business purposes.
According to the Human Resource Development department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Ministry of Emigration and Overseas Employment, over the past three decades, more than 10.80 million people have moved abroad (source: beoe.gov.pk). The majority of these individuals reside in Gulf countries, with approximately 4.7 million, and 1.2 million in the United Kingdom.
Indeed, overseas Pakistanis are invaluable assets to the nation. Pakistan actively promotes overseas employment opportunities, and as a result, numerous Pakistanis are now living and working in Gulf countries and various Western nations. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Pakistan boasts the sixth-largest diaspora in the world.
These overseas Pakistanis play a significant role in contributing to the country’s economy. They send their hard-earned income back to Pakistan, and many choose to invest in the Pakistani real estate industry. In 2021, overseas Pakistanis sent a record amount of remittances, experiencing a growth rate of 26 percent, with levels reaching an impressive US$33 billion.
However, as a member of Pakistan’s largest law firm, I have had the privilege of witnessing the multitude of challenges faced by our beloved overseas Pakistanis. Unfortunately, many of them encounter issues when dealing with reputable real estate societies in major cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
The Pakistani government has recognized the importance of safeguarding the investments of overseas Pakistanis. To this end, they have taken several proactive measures, including the establishment of special courts dedicated to facilitating the legal matters of overseas Pakistanis. These specialized courts are designed to streamline the legal process, providing an efficient and responsive avenue for resolving disputes and ensuring the protection of the rights and investments of overseas Pakistanis.
The commitment of the Pakistani government to safeguard the interests of overseas Pakistanis underscores their value and contribution to the nation. These dedicated individuals not only bolster Pakistan’s economy through remittances but also maintain strong connections with their homeland despite being far from its shores. Our overseas Pakistanis are a source of pride, and their contributions play a pivotal role in the development and progress of our beloved nation.
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