The government is making every effort to reach out to the Overseas Pakistani Community that is contributing nearly $10 billion to strengthen the national economy and improve the balance of payment, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr Farooq Sattar told Business Recorder here on Sunday.
He said the government of Pakistan established an Overseas Pakistanis Forum under his Chairmanship. " Noted overseas Pakistani and Pakistan's Ambassador at Large, Javed Malik has been designated as Secretary General and Vice Chair of the Forum," he added.
Dr Sattar said the Overseas Pakistanis Forum would act as a bridge between the government and the overseas Pakistani community so that the issues facing the overseas Pakistani community could be addressed more effectively.
He said he would chair the first session of the Forum to be held in Dubai this month adding, noted overseas Pakistanis will take part in the session which will also be attended by the officials from OPF as well as Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
My efforts would focus on reaching out to the community, and connecting them to the decision makers in Pakistan" said the secretary general of OPF Javed Malik adding, "the role of overseas Pakistanis has always been under estimated."
Malik said, "it would be wrong to view them only as a source for Foreign exchange remittances when they have a lot more to offer. They have skills, Established businesses, and professional knowledge, which can be very beneficial for Pakistan. Many have distinguished themselves in positions of influence in their host countries and can prove very effective in their own way. Moreover, they have the willingness to support their home country, but often feel neglected," he added.
He said the lack of services and incentives being offered to the overseas Pakistani community also needed to be addressed, and take steps to overcome the trust deficit due to broken promises and bad experiences with housing schemes.
A Campaign entitled "Listening to the overseas Pakistanis" has already been launched by the Ambassador at Large since his appointment, and now a task force is being established in which noted overseas Pakistanis will be given a role so that they can effectively play a role in the forum.
According to estimates Overseas Pakistanis remitted almost $7.811 billion during financial year 2008-09, and if facilities are introduced then this figure is likely to go up. Experts have estimated that if given the right environment and incentives a figure of $800 million per month is achievable.