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Pakistan to host first overseas Pakistanis convention in Islamabad

Pakistan to host first overseas Pakistanis convention in Islamabad

Express Tribune12-04-2025
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The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), will host the first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad from April 13 to 15.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the objective of the convention is to warmly welcome overseas Pakistanis back home, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their valuable suggestions into improved policymaking, Express News reported.
The government has decided that all overseas Pakistanis attending the convention will be accorded the status of state guests.
Special arrangements, including welcome banners and reception protocols, are being made at airports for their arrival.
Participants will be received with full honours and respect, and public celebrations will also be held in their honour.
Under special instructions from the Prime Minister, these arrangements reflect the government's commitment to making overseas Pakistanis feel that Pakistan is truly their home.
The convention aims to provide a shared platform where overseas Pakistanis, government officials, and national institutions can engage under one roof.
To facilitate this, various government departments are setting up help desks at the venue to provide information, guidance, and services in one place.
This initiative reflects the seriousness of the Government of Pakistan in addressing the concerns of overseas Pakistanis and offering timely solutions.
The convention will also invite the overseas community to actively contribute to Pakistan's development journey and explore improvements in existing services and policies for expatriates.
Islamabad in need of 'world-class' expo centre
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Islamabad should have a world-class expo center where international traders could exhibit their products in a better way, according to a report on state-run PTV World.
Speaking at the inaugural session of Gujranwala expo in Islambad, the finance minister said steps are underway for economic stability and government is committed to promote export-based economic growth.
Muhammad Aurangzeb said economy will become stronger only by promoting exports.
He said the expo gave a lot of encouragements that Pakistan has such products that are internationally competitive and could become global brand as we go forward.
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