Islamabad (TDI): The three-day Overseas Pakistanis Convention has kickstarted in Islamabad since yesterday. The Convention is taking place for the very first time, on the special directives of the Prime Minister.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) are collaborating to make the event a success. Overseas Pakistanis started arriving in Islamabad on Sunday, where representatives of OPF and the Government welcomed them at the airport.
The first day was reserved to give the “state guests” a cultural experience at Lok Virsa, while the Convention officially begins today.
“Hum Pakistani, Humara Pakistan”
OPF officials warmly welcomed distinguished guests at the airport upon their arrival in Islamabad for the Annual Overseas Pakistanis Convention.#OPF #StrongerTogether #OverseasPakistanis #PakistanZindabad #Convention2025 #opf pic.twitter.com/F3mLxc0JAH— Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (@opf_pk) April 13, 2025
Nadra, FIA, NAB, Passport Office, State Bank and FBR have set up their stalls for the facilitation of Overseas Pakistanis, since the purpose of the Convention is to hear the issues of the diaspora and find quick solutions.
The Convention is aimed to honor the Overseas Pakistanis and their contributions to Pakistan’s economy. It will also serve as an introductory chapter for the Government representatives, diaspora business communities, and local businesses; to jointly explore investment avenues.
The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, called the Pakistani diaspora a huge asset: “Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis support hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis… The significant increase in remittances in recent months reflects that you have trust in the Pakistani government.”
It is noteworthy here that the country expects to receive more than $35 billion in foreign remittances this year through June.
Read More: Welfare of Overseas Pakistanis Top Priority: PM Shehbaz
The Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, Qamar Raza, told the media that around 1,078 overseas Pakistanis from sixty countries are expected to attend the Convention.
This might be a humble number but the Convention is expected to break some ice and serve as a warm up between the overseas Pakistanis and the Government of Pakistan.
Under the popular slogan Hum Pakistani, Humara Pakistan the Government is providing free boarding and lodging to the guests from 13-16 April.
This also includes free transportation from the Islamabad International Airport to the hotel.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
