Rule of Law and Protection of Overseas Pakistanis’ Rights Among State’s Top Priorities

By Dr. Ansab Ali, Lahore
LAHORE: A seminar titled “Rule of Law and Overseas Pakistanis” was held at the Punjab University Law College, where Provincial Minister and Vice Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab, Barrister Amjad Malik, attended as chief guest.
The event was also attended by Dean Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Shazia Qureshi, Principal Law College Prof. Dr. Amanullah Malik, faculty members, and a large number of students.
Addressing the seminar, Barrister Amjad Malik said that the rule of law is the true identity of any state. He highlighted the backlog in Pakistan’s judicial system, stating that around 2.4 million cases are pending nationwide, including 1.8 million in district courts. Referring to the UK’s Woolf Reforms, he stressed the need for modern technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to ensure faster justice delivery.
He informed participants that, on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special overseas courts have been established in 37 districts of Punjab to decide cases within six months. He also noted that the government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against land grabbers and illegal occupation mafias.
Barrister Amjad Malik said overseas Pakistanis are a valuable national asset and will now benefit from facilities such as video-link testimony from abroad and online appeal filing systems.
Referring to the vision of Pakistan’s founding fathers, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he emphasized institutional loyalty to the Constitution and impartial justice as key to national progress. He also appreciated the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their efforts to address economic challenges.
Discussing regional developments, he expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces.
The seminar was attended by senior academics including Dr. Naeemullah Khan, Dr. Zaheer Iqbal Cheema, Dr. Jawad Riaz, Maryam Ehsan, Dr. Sumbal Islam, Sehrish Naik Chaudhry, and Dr. Kashif Zaidi. Dean Prof. Dr. Shazia Qureshi praised Barrister Amjad Malik’s legal services and his work for overseas Pakistanis.
At the conclusion, Barrister Amjad Malik urged students to uphold the vision of Pakistan’s founders and contribute to strengthening governance and ensuring the supremacy of justice in the country.