Political science is all about running state affairs smoothly. A state is by no means an imaginary concept. In brief, it can be defined as a political entity that regulates society and the population within a defined geographical territory. In the present-day world, a state or a country functions under a mutually agreed-upon civic contract usually termed a constitution. This civic contract provides the form of government, administrative divisions, principal guidelines for legislation, and responsibilities of the state and its citizens towards each other. It should always be kept in mind that a state is nothing without its citizens. While imposing various laws on the masses, every state has to remain duty-bound for the welfare and protection of all its citizens. Simply put, the concept of a state would remain hollow and baselessly imaginary if detached from its legitimate citizens. This premise is primarily linked to the much-talked-about relation of overseas citizens of Pakistan with their homeland. Those who opt to move abroad for various pursuits certainly step into a more challenging territory. Obviously, surviving in an unfamiliar society can never be an easy course. Mostly, South Asians move to foreign lands under economic compulsions. So it will not be an overstatement to say that most of the overseas citizens step into a tougher, challenging field not out of choice, but rather pressing compulsion. Otherwise, staying away from the native land and close blood relatives seems a bitter divergence from human nature.
As per universally acknowledged concepts of political science, a state or country is responsible to safeguard the fundamental human rights of all citizens. These rights include protection against crimes, healthcare services, social welfare, educational facilities, easily accessible justice, equality, economic sustainability, employment opportunities, and transparent democratic governance embedded with various freedoms. A citizen who lives abroad under any pretext should not be undermined merely because of geographical displacement. In our peculiar environment and societal dynamics, overseas residents deserve preferential treatment. Pakistani citizens settled abroad for economic reasons are playing a crucial role in stabilizing the financial status of the state. Their hard-earned remittances are no less than a life-saving medicine that enables Pakistan to survive the deadly financial crisis, especially during the past three years. The present situation merits more emphasis on strengthening the relationship between the state and the overseas citizens. This should always be kept in mind: every citizen living abroad is an ambassador of the state. Our diaspora should be considered a valuable asset for the state. Political weaponization of this asset must not be allowed for obvious bitter consequences.
It should always be kept in mind that a state is nothing without its citizens.
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OSP) is known as a legitimate stakeholder that always prefers to interact with the government to address the genuine concerns of the diaspora. The apolitical approach of the foundation has added more credibility to this important forum. The recent convention of overseas citizens in the federal capital is an appreciable initiative. Direct interaction between the diaspora and various federal ministries is a unique method to address the genuine problems confronted by our foreign-based citizens. The state always remains responsible for providing a peaceful environment to all citizens. This responsibility increases in the case of overseas brethren who are contributing persistently toward the financial stability of Pakistan through hard-earned remittances. Ironically, some unwise political activists stationed abroad are exploiting the diaspora for vested interests. A handful of foul-mouthed social media exploiters are twisting the facts in the greed of fetching followers to secure more dollars. Misplaced criticism of the convention of overseas Pakistanis is another condemnable move of fugitive social media spoilers. State authorities should counter the negative maneuvers of foreign-based spoilers by reviving formal ties with overseas brethren. Rehashed relations based upon mutual trust and positive outreach from state institutions towards the concerned Pakistani diaspora is essential to counter the toxic moves of agents of chaos conspiring from the dark pits of social and digital media platforms.
The writer is a student.