ISLAMABAD – Overseas Pakistanis were hailed as the “pride of the nation” by Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), during a stirring speech at the closing session of the first annual convention dedicated to the global Pakistani diaspora.
Addressing over 1,200 attendees in Islamabad, Raza said, “Wherever they are in the world, they hold our flag high.” He emphasized that the 12 million Pakistanis living across more than 60 countries are an asset to the country—not just in terms of remittances, but as ambassadors of Pakistan’s values and resilience.
“Solving the problems of overseas Pakistanis doesn’t require money. It only requires government will and attention,” he asserted, assuring attendees that their concerns will be addressed with urgency and sincerity.
Raza credited the support of Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir for making the convention a reality. “General Asim told me, ‘These are my people; I want to speak to them.’ His guidance and backing were instrumental,” he shared, adding that he pledged to the army chief: “You will never find us stepping back in difficult times.”
The convention also drew top-tier participation from Pakistan’s political leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senators, and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. Army Chief Gen Asim Munir’s presence highlighted the state’s recognition of the overseas community’s role in national development.
Earlier in the day, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq promised concrete steps for the welfare and facilitation of overseas Pakistanis.
Chairman Raza announced that the next OPF convention will take place in April next year, signaling a commitment to making this an annual platform for engagement, recognition, and reform.
