LAHORE: Terming overseas Pakistanis ambassadors of the country, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Overseas Pakistanis Commission – set up by the Punjab government – is taking effective step to solve the problems of expatriates. Talking to a delegation of overseas Pakistanis in London on Friday, the chief minister said, “The commission is fully empowered and has given overseas Pakistanis their rights, which they were deprived of since long.” He said that no one would be allowed to occupy properties or usurp the money of the ambassadors of Pakistan living outside the country. The chief minister appreciated the performance of the commission and added that other departments should also work with same zeal and passion to solve the problems being faced by the country. The Chief Minister said that the Overseas Pakistanis Commission was selflessly engaged to help solve the problems of Pakistanis living out of the country as they were playing an important role in strengthening of national economy. He added that the OPC had provided relief to thousands of overseas Pakistanis by resolving their issues. “There is no doubt that the OPC has set up a good example of teamwork,” he maintained. He went on to say that Pakistan was facing diverse problems and only unity could steer the country out of crises. “The task is arduous but not unattainable. If we decide to change the destiny of the country and adopt the golden principles of hard work, honesty and trust then no power can stop us from achieving our goals,” he said. “Pakistan is facing numerous challenges and we are required to fight these challenges as a nation. If all the segments of the society get united and strive collectively then the time is not far away when the destiny of the country will be changed and I am confident that Pakistanis will emerge as a great nation despite difficulties and challenges.” He regretted that no steps were adopted to resolve the energy crisis by the previous governments. He, however, claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-) government was making strides to rid country of energy crisis. “Today, Pakistan is more prosperous, peaceful and secured,” concluded the chief minister. Separately, the chief minister expressed grief over the death of photographer Sheikh Azmat. In his condolence message, the chief minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Published in Daily Times, September 9th 2017.