In a powerful address at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza, hailed overseas Pakistanis as the “pride of the nation.” He praised their unwavering contributions to Pakistan’s development and global image, stating, “Wherever they are in the world, they raise our flag with honor.”
Convention Celebrates Overseas Contributions
The statement came during the closing session of the first annual OPF convention in Islamabad. The event was organized to recognize and celebrate the service and dedication of Pakistanis living abroad.
Raza highlighted that over 12 million Pakistanis reside in more than 60 countries. He stressed that addressing their issues doesn’t require financial resources but rather the government’s commitment.
Assurances and Acknowledgments
Raza assured participants that the government was committed to solving the challenges faced by the diaspora. He thanked the more than 1,200 overseas Pakistanis who traveled to attend the convention, calling their presence a testament to their enduring connection with the homeland.
He also credited the success of the convention to the support and leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Raza recalled a conversation with the army chief, who said, “These are my people; I want to speak to them.” In response, Raza affirmed, “You will never see us retreat in hard times.”
Read: Korangi Fire Extinguished After 17 Days, But Gas Emission Continues
High-Level Participation Highlights Importance
The convention drew a notable audience of top officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, various federal ministers, senators, and parliamentarians. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also attended the gathering.
This high-profile participation signaled the government’s growing recognition of the critical role that overseas Pakistanis play in the country’s economy, diplomacy, and development.
Future Plans and Broader Support
Earlier, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also addressed the convention. He reaffirmed the parliament’s commitment to improving policies and ensuring the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. He promised that legislative steps would be taken to address their concerns and streamline bureaucratic processes for those living abroad.
Building a Stronger Bridge
The convention served as a platform to strengthen ties between the state and its citizens living overseas. With promises of continued engagement, better policies, and a collective appreciation of their contributions, the event marked a step toward deeper inclusion of the diaspora in national development efforts.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates