ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed overseas Pakistanis as the country’s “most valuable asset”, saying their remittances remained a lifeline for the economy and a key source of support for the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
Chairing a meeting with Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) board of governors’ chairman Syed Qamar Raza and managing director Afzal Bhatti, the prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the longstanding concerns of expatriates and directed officials to fast-track welfare initiatives for Pakistanis living abroad.
The meeting reviewed the foundation’s ongoing programmes and the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis in dealing with institutions back home. Stressing that millions of expatriates had stood by the country through their hard-earned remittances, Sharif said they deserved efficient services and greater institutional support in return.
He directed the authorities concerned to accelerate all ongoing projects for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and ensure that promised reforms translated into tangible relief for the community. The duo also briefed the prime minister on a roadmap proposing additional measures to improve facilities and expand services for expatriates through the OPF.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026