ISLAMABAD: Islamabad will host its first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention today, Sunday, to recognize expatriates’ contribution to the national economy and address their issues, state-run media reported.
Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis are crucial for the South Asian country as it navigates a tricky path to recovery from a macroeconomic crisis that has drained its revenue. Pakistan expects to receive more than $35 billion in remittances this year through June, with overseas Pakistanis remitting a record $1.3 billion in February.
The three-day convention will be held in Pakistan’s capital from Apr. 13-15.
“It [convention] is aimed at recognizing the contributions of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
It said the government will grant the status of “state guests” to overseas Pakistanis attending the convention, adding that special arrangements are being made to welcome them at the country’s airports.
“The Overseas Pakistanis Convention will provide a platform where overseas Pakistanis, government representatives, and national institutions will come together under one roof,” it said.
Various government departments have set up help desks to provide information, guidance and services to overseas Pakistanis at a single location, it said.
“This reflects the Government’s strong commitment to listening to, understanding and promptly addressing the problems of overseas Pakistanis,” the state broadcaster said.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed the government’s determination to work for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and address their problems in a video message.
“Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis support hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis,” Hussain said. “The significant increase in remittances in recent months reflects that you have trust in the Pakistani government.”
