Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a special package for overseas Pakistanis, including the establishment of special courts for the swift resolution of their legal cases and a five per cent quota in federal universities.
Addressing the First Annual Overseas Pakistanis’ Convention in Islamabad, the PM paid tribute to the contributions of the diaspora, a day after the country reported record monthly remittances of $4.1 billion.
“Special courts have been set up in Islamabad for speedy disposal of overseas Pakistanis’ cases,” he said, adding that similar courts would be established in all provinces. The government also plans to facilitate virtual attendance of hearings and enable e-filing for overseas citizens.
The prime minister announced a 5% quota for overseas Pakistanis in federal universities and said 3,000 children of overseas citizens would be given admission in medical colleges. He also declared a five-year age relaxation in government jobs for overseas applicants.
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To improve access to services, an online sale deed registration system has been launched in Punjab, and a special facilitation office has been designated in the province.
Sharif further announced plans to build an international airport in Mirpur, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a long-standing demand of the diaspora. He said 15 civil awards would be given annually to overseas Pakistanis for excellence in their respective fields, beginning each year on August 14.
