Overseas Pakistanis Convention Urges Land Rights and Investment Reforms

Islamabad – The recently held Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad has been hailed as a pivotal initiative aimed at safeguarding the interests of Pakistanis living abroad, according to Mohammad Ibrahim Dar, Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Business Forum France. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Ghulam Mustafa Malik, the Focal Person to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, Dar emphasized the urgent need for special courts in all four provinces, as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to address land-grabbing issues faced by overseas Pakistanis. He also advocated for the creation of a One-Window Operation to streamline investment procedures for overseas investors, ensuring efficient coordination between relevant departments.

The event, which was attended by senior journalists from Islamabad’s media as well as key figures such as Ayaz Abbasi, Secretary General of Pak Federation Spain, and UAE businessman Sohail Mumtaz, was a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities for the diaspora community.

Ghulam Mustafa Malik praised the active participation of overseas Pakistanis, underscoring their critical role in the national economy and the government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate for them. Mohammad Ibrahim Dar stressed that despite the challenges, the diaspora continues to prioritize investment in Pakistan. However, he warned that unresolved systemic issues could discourage future generations from engaging economically with the country.

Ayaz Abbasi expressed his appreciation for the government’s efforts and expressed hope for an even more impactful convention in the future. UAE-based businessman Sohail Mumtaz saw the convention as a clear signal from the government, military, and establishment that Pakistan is open for business and offers great investment potential.

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The event also included a special gesture of appreciation when Mohammad Ibrahim Dar was presented with a bouquet by Khuram Shehzad, and the gathering concluded with a celebration of Ghulam Mustafa Malik’s birthday, where he received warm congratulations from attendees.