For the first time in Pakistan’s political and military history, an extraordinary moment of unity and foresight has emerged—one that exemplifies national harmony, statecraft, and visionary leadership. In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir jointly invited overseas Pakistanis from across the world to Islamabad for a direct, heartfelt engagement. The event marked a new chapter in recognizing the diaspora’s immense value—not just as remittance-senders, but as strategic partners in Pakistan’s future.
This initiative was not a short-lived political gesture or a ceremonial exercise. It was the practical manifestation of a deeply rooted vision first articulated by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a statesman with decades of political wisdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif translated this vision into state policy through tireless efforts, while General Syed Asim Munir has now elevated it further—transforming it into a comprehensive national narrative, backed by institutional commitment.
Together, Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and General Asim Munir represent a rare triad of leadership—political acumen, administrative competence, and strategic depth—driving Pakistan toward a more inclusive and globally connected future.
A Vision Grounded in Policy and Action
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif redefined the role of overseas Pakistanis, not only recognizing their economic contributions but also empowering them as informal ambassadors and strategic national assets. Shehbaz Sharif institutionalized this vision through supportive policies, while General Asim Munir has now underscored it with the full weight of the security establishment, declaring the diaspora essential to Pakistan’s national development and security.
The recent Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad was not just a ceremonial gathering—it was a landmark policy event. High-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, General Asim Munir, and key representatives of civil and military institutions, came together to listen, engage, and act.
Institutional Mechanisms and Key Announcements
Several initiatives were unveiled to resolve long-standing issues faced by overseas Pakistanis and to unlock their potential:
Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC):
Investment-friendly incentives
One-window facilitation
Secure sectors including agriculture, IT, energy, and tourism
Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Expanded consular services
Streamlined visa, NICOP, and passport issuance
Overseas Help Desks at embassies and missions
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis:
Digitalization of the Protectorate System
Enhanced legal aid and welfare fund access through an online portal
Pakistan Armed Forces:
Full protection guarantees for overseas investments
Strategic engagement of the diaspora in national security conversation.
NADRA:
Improved e-governance and identity services
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR):
Tailored tax guidance for overseas investors
Board of Investment (BOI):
Launch of the "Overseas Investment Guide"
Prime Minister's Special Incentives
To further empower overseas Pakistanis, the Prime Minister announced:
1. Overseas One-Window Portal: A centralized digital platform connecting all relevant departments.
2. Overseas Pakistani Card (OPC):
Priority service at airports
Streamlined banking and financial access
Simplified property registration and legal documentation
3. Investment Incentives:
Tax exemptions
Immediate NOCs
Preferential land allotment
4. Legal Protection:
Establishment of special courts for overseas-related cases
5. Travel Benefits:
Discounts on national airlines
6. Health and Education Access:
Special university quotas
Inclusion in the national health card scheme
Diaspora: Our National Pride Abroad
Pakistan’s global diaspora now exceeds 10 million, with over five million youth migrating in the past decade alone. Sadly, dozens have lost their lives during perilous, unauthorized journeys in search of opportunity—leaving families devastated. As a nation, we can no longer hide behind phrases like “It was God’s will.” We must act.
The diaspora remits between $30 to $35 billion annually, making it the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Their contribution is not just financial—it is deeply symbolic of their unwavering connection to the homeland.
Remarkably, despite a politically motivated campaign by certain PTI leaders urging overseas Pakistanis to withhold remittances as a form of protest, patriotic Pakistanis refused to comply.
Alhamdulillah, they continued to send record foreign exchange, prioritizing the nation's economic needs over political agendas. This act of unity and devotion proved beyond doubt that the love for Pakistan transcends all partisan divisions. It was a quiet, powerful rebuke to those who would jeopardize the nation’s stability for political gain.
Their value extends far beyond economics—they are the face of Pakistan in global academic, scientific, diplomatic, and cultural arenas.
The Army Chief’s Message: Unity Over Division
General Syed Asim Munir delivered a compelling message, warning of the harmful effects of disinformation on social media. He expressed grave concern over the actions of a small minority abroad who, knowingly or unknowingly, are promoting anti-state narratives. These efforts, he stated, not only damage Pakistan’s image but also undermine national unity and cohesion.
Defending Ideological Boundaries: Kashmir and Palestine
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering ideological and moral stance, the Army Chief described the Kashmir issue as central to the nation's founding principles. He condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing human rights violations and brutal atrocities committed by the Indian government in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IHK).
The state-sanctioned repression, including extrajudicial killings, demographic engineering, political suppression, and media blackouts, were called out as violations of international law and basic human decency. General Munir assured that Pakistan remains the true advocate of the Kashmiri people—ethically, politically, and diplomatically.
He urged overseas Pakistanis to raise their voices on global forums and strengthen international awareness for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He emphatically declared that India may occupy the land, but it will never win the hearts of the Kashmiri people. Their spirit of resistance and yearning for freedom remains unshaken.
He also expressed deep solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and reiterated the need for Muslim unity in the face of global injustice.
Balochistan: A Call for Peace and Progress
The Chief acknowledged ongoing destabilization efforts by hostile elements in Balochistan and appealed to the overseas Baloch community to participate in educational and developmental initiatives. A stable, thriving Balochistan, he emphasized, is central to Pakistan’s national progress.
Economic Revival and Agricultural Transformation
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture economically. General Munir extended a heartfelt invitation to the diaspora to bring not just capital, but also their expertise, technology, and innovation. He assured full institutional support for their efforts and promised an environment that is safe, predictable, and welcoming for investment.
A New Narrative for a New Pakistan
The heartfelt addresses by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir transformed this convention into a defining moment. It was not just an event—it was the unveiling of a new national narrative: a Pakistan where talent is valued, unity is essential, and the diaspora is central to progress.
This is not the responsibility of overseas Pakistanis alone. Every Pakistani—at home or abroad—must champion this new vision. We must rise above personal, political, and ideological divisions and convey a united message to the world:
“We are one nation, one vision, one homeland.”
Abroad, we are not political factions or ideological rivals. We are Pakistanis—custodians of our nation's dignity, honor, and pride. Those who have misused platforms like social media to malign Pakistan’s institutions and leadership have not served the country; they have tarnished their own integrity.
Pakistan is our identity, our strength, our honor—and our shared responsibility. That was the soul of this convention, so profoundly articulated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Syed Asim Munir.
The message is clear:
“Respect for Pakistan is our belief, our pride, and our unwavering commitment.”