Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen welfare initiatives for Pakistanis living abroad. He described the overseas community as a valuable national asset. The directive aims to improve services and accelerate ongoing projects for the diaspora.
During a meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister met OPF Chairman of the Board of Governors Syed Qamar Raza and Managing Director Mohammed Afzaal Bhatti. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion focused on measures to address issues faced by overseas Pakistanis. Officials also briefed the premier on plans to expand facilities and welfare programmes.
Shehbaz said overseas Pakistanis make a vital contribution to the country’s economy through remittances. He instructed the OPF to bring greater momentum to its existing projects and complete initiatives aimed at improving support for the diaspora. The prime minister also expressed satisfaction with the foundation’s ongoing work.
The OPF officials praised the government’s efforts to promote global peace during the meeting. In response, the prime minister reiterated the importance of delivering better services for overseas Pakistanis. He directed the foundation to finalise and present a detailed roadmap for future reforms.
Overseas Pakistanis send nearly $40 billion in annual remittances, making them one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange. These inflows help support household incomes, finance imports, and strengthen external accounts. However, economists have warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East could affect future remittance flows and overseas employment opportunities.