ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at assisting overseas Pakistanis, including the reactivation of the Green Channel for expedited services. Speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, he highlighted several measures designed to improve the lives of expatriates and their families.
The Prime Minister announced that the Green Channel, which is set to become operational in the coming weeks, will streamline services for overseas Pakistanis. In addition, Sharif outlined plans to establish special courts in Islamabad to expedite legal cases involving expatriates, with similar courts to be introduced in Punjab and potentially other provinces.
To modernize legal processes, Sharif also revealed that e-recording of evidence via video link will be available in Pakistan’s missions abroad, and e-filing of cases will be introduced. An amendment to the civil court procedure is planned to prevent false litigation against overseas Pakistanis, granting defendants the right to defend if permitted by the court.
Furthering educational opportunities, the Prime Minister announced a five percent quota for children of overseas Pakistanis in federal chartered universities and degree-awarding institutions. A 15 percent quota in medical colleges will benefit 3,000 children of expatriates, and 5,000 children will be offered skill development courses.
The Federal Board of Revenue has been directed to treat overseas Pakistanis as filers in business and banking activities, with special offices already established in Balochistan and Punjab, and plans to extend this to other regions. The exemption in the upper age limit for government jobs for overseas Pakistani women will increase from five to seven years.
Sharif also announced the creation of a registration system for online sale deeds at Pakistan’s High Commission in London, which will be replicated in other foreign missions. In response to long-standing demands, a feasibility study for an international airport in Mirpur has been ordered.
To honor expatriates’ contributions, fifteen distinguished overseas Pakistanis will receive civil awards annually on August 14. A desk at the Federal Ombudsman Office will allow expatriates to submit complaints via email and WhatsApp.
Expressing appreciation for the economic contributions of overseas Pakistanis, Sharif urged them to counter negative propaganda against the armed forces, commending the military’s sacrifices in combating terrorism. He emphasized the importance of respect and assistance from Pakistani envoys and diplomats towards expatriates.