News DeskSharjah, UAE – Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza, met with members of the Pakistani community at the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah on Thursday, underscoring the vital role of expatriates in the national economy and outlining new welfare initiatives.
The interactive session, hosted by the Centre’s President, Khalid Hussain Chaudhry, saw a significant turnout, including Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, Community Welfare Attachés Imran Shahid and Junaid Murtaza, along with office bearers from various Pakistani business councils.
In his welcome address, Khalid Chaudhry stated the event was designed to facilitate a direct dialogue between the community and the OPF Chairman, allowing overseas Pakistanis to share their input on community-related matters.
Community leaders present congratulated Syed Qamar Raza on the success of the Overseas Pakistanis Convention held earlier this year and lauded the OPF’s persistent efforts towards expatriate welfare.
Emphasis on Economic Contribution
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Syed Qamar Raza stressed that overseas Pakistanis hold a special place in the hearts of Pakistan’s leadership. He highlighted the monumental contribution of over USD 38 billion in annual remittances, which he described as pivotal to the country’s economy. The Chairman strongly encouraged expatriates to continue using legal channels for their remittances.
Syed Raza elaborated on several new initiatives aimed at supporting the diaspora:
- Education Quota: Under the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a 5% quota in educational institutions and 5,000 seats in skills development courses under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have been reserved for the children of overseas Pakistanis.
- Property Dispute Resolution: The establishment of dedicated special courts was highlighted as a key measure to resolve property disputes faced by overseas Pakistanis.
- UAE Education Plan: The Chairman announced that a comprehensive plan is being formulated specifically to cater to the educational needs of Pakistani students residing in the UAE.
Looking ahead, Syed Raza announced that the next annual Overseas Pakistanis Convention will take place in April 2026 in Pakistan. He credited the overseas community for the success of these conventions, reiterating that such interactive sessions are crucial as they provide “valuable insights” necessary for the government to devise effective welfare solutions.
