ISLAMABAD
\nSpeake of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday reaffirmed Parliament\u2019s collective resolve to address the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis, stressing that both the government and opposition remain united on the matter.
\nSpeaking at the inaugural Overseas Pakistanis Convention, he said that every member of the National Assembly, regardless of political party, fully supports the cause of the overseas community. \u201cOur fellow Pakistanis living abroad are the true ambassadors of our country,\u201d he said. \u201cYour support and partnership are crucial for building a better future for everyone.\u201d
\nHe described overseas Pakistanis as the backbone of the nation, playing a key role in connecting Pakistan with the world. \u201cYour actions and words shape how the world sees our country,\u201d he added. The Speaker appreciated the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation for launching a new initiative to address the challenges faced by expatriates.
\nHe urged overseas Pakistanis to share their concerns so the government could respond with effective solutions. \u201cWhether it\u2019s through business, education, or promoting Pakistan\u2019s image abroad, your contributions are significant,\u201d he said.
\nRecalling his recent meetings with global dignitaries\u2014including the Speaker of Saudi Arabia and elected officials from the United States\u2014he noted that many praised the achievements of Pakistanis living overseas. \u201cWhen international leaders speak highly of our citizens abroad, it makes us proud. It reflects the hard work and integrity of our people,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThe purpose of this convention is to listen to your voices. The National Assembly belongs to you as much as it does to us,\u201d he said. \u201cAlthough dual nationals are currently not allowed to contest elections, this issue needs fresh discussion in the parliament.\u201d
\nHe stressed the importance of recognizing those who send large amounts of money back home. \u201cYou send more remittances than the country earns through exports. If we honor top exporters, why not top remitters?\u201d he asked. He supported the idea of giving top remitters the honorary status of \u201croaming ambassadors.\u201d
\nAyaz Sadiq also emphasized the importance of using formal remittance channels and ending the use of informal systems like hundi. \u201cMoney sent through legal means strengthens the economy, increases tax collection, and brings transparency. Those using official channels should not face unnecessary scrutiny or extra taxes,\u201d he said.
\nHe acknowledged the difficulties overseas that Pakistanis face at embassies, particularly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. \u201cPeople who send money home should be treated with the same respect at embassies as ministers and MNAs. Why can\u2019t we offer them that dignity?\u201d he asked.
\nCalling for reforms, he urged the government to make it easier for returning expatriates to reintegrate into society. He suggested simplifying processes such as police verification, introducing a low-cost fee system, and offering fast-track certification.
\nHe also highlighted the serious problem of land grabbing, which affects many overseas Pakistanis. \u201cThere must be strict punishment for those who illegally seize their land\u2014from the local patwari to police officers and even senior officials. These people invest their life savings with the dream of coming home. Losing their land is a national shame,\u201d he said.
\nHe stressed the need to shift toward digital and paperless services, especially for documents like ID cards and embassy procedures. \u201cIf our children abroad can work remotely, why should overseas Pakistanis have to stand in lines at embassies?\u201d he asked.
\nHe also pointed out the potential of medical tourism, saying, \u201cOur doctors abroad are doing great. Why not encourage them to work in Pakistan, too? It would be affordable and efficient.\u201d Concluding his speech, he called for unity and action. \u201cLet\u2019s move forward\u2014together and with purpose\u2014for those who support Pakistan from afar with their hearts, minds, and hard-earned money.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Speake of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday reaffirmed Parliament\u2019s collective resolve to address the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis, stressing that both the government and opposition remain united on the matter. Speaking at the inaugural Overseas Pakistanis Convention, he said that every member of the National Assembly, regardless of political party, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":457944,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-472502","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n