Overseas Pakistanis’ Welfare Remains Punjab Government’s Top Priority: Barrister Amjad Malik

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Minister and Vice Chairperson of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab, Barrister Amjad Malik, reaffirmed that the welfare of overseas Pakistanis remains one of the Punjab Government’s highest priorities, describing expatriates as a valuable national asset whose rights and interests must be fully protected.
He expressed these views while chairing an E-Khuli Kachehri at the OPC Punjab Headquarters, where a large number of overseas Pakistanis from around the world participated online to raise complaints and seek solutions to their issues.
Commissioner OPC Punjab Humeira Ikram, Director General Ahmer Nike, Director Administration Aamir Ahmed Khan, Director Revenue Shoaib Naswana, Director Law Aqeel Khan, Deputy Director Prosecution Nadeem Aamir, Director IT Farhan Ramzan, and other senior officials attended the session.
Barrister Amjad Malik listened to the participants’ concerns and directed the relevant departments to resolve all complaints on a priority basis without unnecessary delay. He also praised Commissioner Humeira Ikram for the preparation of the OPC Punjab Annual Report and endorsed several proposals aimed at modernising the institution.
He stressed that District Overseas Pakistanis Committee meetings should be held regularly to ensure the timely resolution of grievances.
The minister described the establishment of Special Courts for Overseas Pakistanis in 37 districts of Punjab as a landmark initiative by Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said the courts would ensure speedy disposal of cases relating to property protection, public services, financial and business disputes, family matters, inheritance, and legal ownership.
Barrister Amjad Malik further announced that overseas Pakistanis would soon be able to participate in court proceedings through video link from their countries of residence, while efforts are underway to conclude judicial proceedings within six months.
He reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to providing transparent, efficient, and timely services to overseas Pakistanis while safeguarding their legal and property rights.
Commissioner Humeira Ikram assured participants that OPC Punjab would continue improving its complaint management system, make the online portal more interactive and user-friendly, strengthen the functioning of District Overseas Committees, and introduce modern technological solutions to facilitate Pakistanis living abroad.
Participants appreciated the online complaint portal, the effective grievance redressal mechanism, the establishment of Special Overseas Courts, and other reforms introduced by OPC Punjab. They expressed satisfaction with the institution’s performance and acknowledged the leadership of Barrister Amjad Malik in addressing the concerns of overseas Pakistanis.
At the conclusion of the session, Barrister Amjad Malik congratulated Additional Chief Secretary Ahmad Raza Sarwar on his appointment as Secretary Home and announced that the next online E-Khuli Kachehri will be held on August 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.