Rethinking the diaspora's role

Overseas Pakistanis have long occupied a complicated place in the country's political and economic imagination. They are celebrated as the lifeblood of the economy, sending billions in remittances each year, but also viewed with increasing concern due to their political activism abroad — often manifesting in disruptive and sometimes aggressive ways.

From heckling politicians on foreign visits to orchestrated social media campaigns that malign Pakistan's image globally, segments of the diaspora have contributed to the worsening of Pakistan's already fractured political climate. These actions are not acts of democratic expression, but increasingly resemble a politicised diaspora acting on party lines rather than in the national interest.

The recent Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad attempted to address this growing disconnect between the state and its citizens abroad. Organised by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the event brought together representatives of the diaspora, members of the federal cabinet, and, significantly, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

The messaging was clear: the state sees overseas Pakistanis as critical stakeholders and is ready to reset the relationship on terms that go beyond mere transactionalism.

The convention offered a range of incentives: reintroducing green channel airport facilities, creating dedicated judicial mechanisms to resolve disputes faced by non-resident Pakistanis, extending tax filer status, and prioritising them for NADRA and other public services. These measures are certainly welcome, addressing longstanding grievances about systemic inefficiencies, red tape and legal challenges - particularly around property disputes. The promise of scholarships and skill-building initiatives also signals an intent to make diaspora engagement more holistic.

But beyond the policy announcements, the timing and optics of the event invite scrutiny. That the diaspora is being courted at a time when Pakistan faces an economic crunch and a widening trust deficit with investors, donors, and even friendly countries, suggests the state is looking to consolidate every possible source of support.

While some see this as opportunistic, others would argue it is pragmatic. When the country's financial health is on the line, mobilising one of the most resourceful segments of Pakistanis makes strategic sense.

Still, one must not ignore the political subtext. The diaspora has become a potent political force - not just in terms of campaigning, but in shaping narratives and pressuring institutions from afar. Much of this influence has been harnessed by political parties, particularly the PTI, which enjoys significant support from overseas Pakistanis.

Over the past few years, this mobilisation has grown increasingly confrontational, often targeting political opponents through verbal abuse, harassment and online disinformation. Such behaviour, rather than helping Pakistan, has led to diplomatic unease, damaged Pakistan's global standing, and, ironically, hurt the diaspora's own credibility.

To that extent, the convention also appears to be a subtle attempt at institutional course correction - reminding the diaspora that they are part of a national framework, not a political campaign. The presence of the military leadership at the event reflects a coordinated state-level effort to engage with overseas Pakistanis in a more structured and non-partisan manner.

This is not without precedent. The military, which remains a key player in Pakistan's power structure, has historically supported initiatives aimed at overseas investment, welfare foundations and national image-building. However, the challenge remains to ensure that this engagement does not veer into control or surveillance, but genuinely addresses the diaspora's aspirations and concerns.

The diaspora, in turn, must re-evaluate its role. It cannot demand rights, influence policy and seek privileges while simultaneously undermining democratic institutions, fuelling polarisation and encouraging civic discord.

The notion that patriotism is the monopoly of any one political party is not just flawed - it is dangerous. Overseas Pakistanis have a right to express political opinions, but their engagement must be constructive, not disruptive. Diaspora activism that aims to delegitimise state institutions or vilify political opponents does little to help Pakistan's fragile democratic trajectory.

Moreover, Pakistan's dependence on its overseas community is not ideological — it is financial. In March 2025, remittances reached a record $4.1 billion in a single month, driven by inflows from Gulf countries and the West during Ramazan and Eid. Over the first nine months of the fiscal year, remittances have jumped by 33 per cent, totalling $28.07 billion.

These inflows are not just lifelines for millions of families; they are vital for maintaining foreign exchange reserves, managing the trade deficit and meeting external debt obligations. With $26 billion in debt repayments due this year, remittances are, quite literally, keeping Pakistan afloat.

In that context, initiatives like the Overseas Pakistanis Convention are not vanity projects. They reflect an emerging consensus across civilian and military institutions that the diaspora must be treated not as an afterthought, but as a strategic asset. Whether these efforts result in sustained policy changes or fade into the archive of well-meaning but poorly implemented ideas will depend on consistency, transparency, and follow-through.

If both the state and the diaspora can recalibrate their relationship - with one providing institutional support and the other embracing responsible civic engagement — Pakistan stands to gain more than just dollars. It gains a network of ambassadors, investors and partners in recovery. But the first step is recognising that influence must be exercised with responsibility. Only then can overseas Pakistanis truly become a source of strength rather than strife.