The expats way

The incentives announced by the government in an earnest endeavour to woo the overseas Pakistanis are worth appreciating. It had been long desired, as there has been a feeling that there is disconnect between the state and the expatriate community. Thus, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir were on the mark in tapping the treasure trove of confidence that the diaspora possess.

The roadmap of reforms, featuring special courts to expedite pending litigations, tax remissions, job quotas and skill development opportunities, will go a long way in enriching national unity and amalgamation of this indispensable segment with the mainstream.

The Army Chief led from the front as he delivered a hard-hitting speech on the occasion, addressing the internal and external challenges facing Pakistan.

With both his body language and his speech exuding confidence, he warned the inimical forces trying to discredit Pakistan and its armed forces that nothing can deter the country from scaling heights of success or undermine it diplomatically. He coined the term 'brain gain' for overseas Pakistanis as their contribution in all walks of life, especially remittances, was highly eulogised.

The unprecedented moot, attended by more than 1,200 expatriates, pushed the envelope of realistic integration and meaningful interaction in various spheres of national life through measures like green channel facility, educational quota, tax-filer status and government services. This move to win over the heads and hearts of Pakistanis could not have come at a more opportune moment.

The growing interdependence in the global economy, the trade war underway and the diplomatic stunts that are being maneuvered called for a responsive and resourceful response from the State of Pakistan.

The affirmation that was evident in the narration that "Pakistan will prevail" has buoyed confidence, and there is much that is in need of being tapped in congeniality. The leadership walked the talk by shunning the sense of otherness that was unintentionally creeping in, and now is the time for the expatriate community to respond in their pride of nationalism and patriotism.