CM to hold monthly meetings with expats

Over 11,000 complaints of overseas Pakistanis addressed in three years

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced that he will hold monthly meetings overseas Pakistanis for consultations with them.

Speaking to a delegation of expatriates led by Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Vice Chairperson Syed Tariq Mahmoodul Hassan that called on him on Friday, he pointed out that every expat was a voter as the PTI-led government had given them the right to vote, which was their democratic right.

The chief minister said the commission’s counters had been set up in federal and provincial government departments to assist the Pakistanis living abroad and a facilitation desk was also working in the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). A counter of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is functioning at the OPC Punjab, while those of the tourism and passport services will also be established soon.

The CM said the OPC had retrieved expats’ assets in the province valuing Rs44 billion. The possession of 176 houses and plots in a private housing scheme with a market value of Rs600 million was also given to expats, he noted. He said the OPC's web portal had been linked with the LHC for information regarding their cases, while the expats can also lodge their complaints online.

He said a 24/7 helpline was also set up to help resolve the difficulties of overseas Pakistanis.

The government has also set up district overseas Pakistanis committees across Punjab, resolving more than 11,000 complaints in three years.

Meanwhile, a ‘zero NOC’ policy is being introduced and an investor facilitation cell has been established at CM Office, added Chief Minister Buzdar.

The CM also gave away medals and shields to expats, district overseas committees' chairpersons and OPC staff members.

Meanwhile, the chief minister directed the inspector general of police to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the celebrations planned in connection with the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2021.