Courts for expats

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Overseas Pakistanis play a crucial role in the country's economy, besides contributing to various fields like IT, science, technology and healthcare, and serving as informal ambassadors of their country of origin. In particular, the $30 billion or so they remit annually to a dollar-starved Pakistan help a great deal in financing the imports, thereby maintaining the current account balance and helping to stabilise the external sector.

But despite their significant contributions, they face a myriad of issues including devaluation of their investments, exclusion from the country's electoral process and endless legal disputes. But one of the biggest challenges they face is the illegal occupation of their properties back home.

Many expats invest in real estate or inherit family properties only to find out that local mafias or even distant relatives have unlawfully taken control of their assets. While the distance makes it difficult for them to fight a legal battle and be awarded justice, the pace at which property disputes proceed in courts makes it entirely impossible.

It is thus commendable that at least somebody in the position of authority has realised the problems facing the overseas Pakistanis as regards illegal occupation of their properties.

The acting Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court has directed the formation of special courts in Islamabad to address property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis, under the Overseas Property Act, 2024. These special courts are designed to expedite the long and arduous process of resolving property disputes, with the mentioned act mandating that cases be settled within 90 days.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, in recent remarks, called overseas Pakistanis the "backbone of our economy", highlighting the significance of their contributions. Given their vital role, it is imperative to ensure proper and sustained implementation of these courts, allowing expatriates to reclaim their legal assets and voice out their concerns.