Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has officially reviewed current government measures to address issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, signaling a push for more efficient consular services. The review, conducted in Islamabad, focused on streamlining the support systems available to millions of Pakistanis working and living abroad.

Strengthening support for overseas pakistanis

During the high-level meeting, DPM Dar emphasized that the government is committed to removing bureaucratic hurdles that complicate daily life for the diaspora. The discussion centered on identifying the most frequent complaints, which range from passport renewal delays and documentation issues to legal disputes involving property back home. The Foreign Ministry is currently assessing whether existing digital portals are sufficient to handle the volume of requests or if a more robust infrastructure is required to provide real-time assistance.

Key areas of reform

The government is focusing on several strategic areas to improve the experience for expatriates:

  • Consular Efficiency: Reducing the turnaround time for passport and NADRA-related services at embassies and consulates.
  • Legal Redressal: Establishing clearer channels for overseas Pakistanis to report property fraud or land grabbing issues to local authorities.
  • Investment Facilitation: Ensuring that remittance channels remain secure and that investment schemes, such as the Roshan Digital Account, are better marketed and supported.

What you should do

If you are living abroad and facing specific administrative issues, ensure your documentation is registered through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. For urgent consular assistance, the Ministry recommends using the 'FM Portal' or contacting your nearest Pakistani High Commission directly rather than relying on third-party agents who often charge unnecessary fees. Always verify the status of your applications via the official government websites (mofa.gov.pk) to avoid scams.

What to watch next

In the coming weeks, look for updates regarding the digitization of services at overseas missions. The government is expected to announce a timeline for the integration of more NADRA services into the existing diplomatic framework. Whether these measures will lead to a tangible reduction in wait times for identity documents remains the primary concern for the diaspora. We will continue to track the implementation of these directives as the Foreign Office updates its operational protocols.