The Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, stated that
The Pakistani government is taking steps to address issues faced by citizens living abroad,The government is working through relevant authorities to improve facilitation and resolve concerns raised by citizens abroad.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
He said, at an overseas Pakistanis conference in Barcelona, Spain.
The Minister highlighted Overseas Pakistanis as an important national asset and stated,
Many overseas Pakistanis continue to represent Pakistan in their host countries.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
They also contribute to the development and prosperity of the country, and even while living abroad, they remain closely connected.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
The Justice Senator stated that:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take initiatives for the welfare of Pakistanis who live abroad. He said the focus is on addressing administrative and legal issues, also improving coordination with government departments. No new policies were announced and no specific timelines were provided.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
The minister also spoke about Pakistan’s relations with Europe. He said:
Ties with the European Union under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus framework would be further strengthened. The framework allows Pakistan preferential access to European markets.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
The government is committed to maintaining cooperation under the arrangement.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar
The conference was attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora living in Europe, along with government officials and community representatives. The discussions focused on the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis such as, access to services, communication with government institutions, and problems that persist in some places.
Engagement with overseas Pakistanis is an ongoing process.
Officials
Forums like this allow communities to raise concerns directly and for authorities to review existing facilitation measures. Recurrent issues were also discussed.
Officials
The government is focusing on administrative efforts right now, instead of announcing new initiatives. The minister’s remarks emphasized that priority is improving support for overseas Pakistanis.
Officials
Source: Radio Pakistan