ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Overseas Pakistanis are the backbone of the economy and they should be facilitated by the state in every possible way, emphasised speakers at a conference on Tuesday, organised by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.   

It was stated by former Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Farooq Sattar that Overseas Pakistanis were better diplomats as compared to regular diplomats.

Overseas Pakistanis bring US $14 billion through bank transactions and another 8 billion through Hawala (money transferred through a network of brokers) every year, he said.

“They are much better Pakistanis as compared to those who are in Pakistan and instead of investing in the country, transfer money to banks in Switzerland,” he said.

He said that just two days ago he was supposed to host the present conference but now he was only participating as Member of the National Assembly because his party (MQM) was no longer in the government.

He said that no country could be called sovereign when economic policies were being dictated by another country. He further elaborated that the ministry would invite Overseas Pakistanis to come and invest in the country because public and private partnership was essential for the development of country.

“We are also planning to start housing societies for Overseas Pakistanis in different cities. Pakistanis can live abroad but they never forget their roots, as they come back even for the marriages of their children and in the end prefer being buried in Pakistan,” he said.

Talking about dual nationality, he said that according to the vision of MQM, if an overseas can cast a vote, then he can also contest elections.

Quoting figures, he said: “48 per cent of Overseas Pakistanis are working in the Middle East, 28 per cent in Europe and 19 per cent in the United States.”

On the other hand, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Malik Amad Khan, said that the role of Overseas Pakistanis for the development of the country cannot be neglected. Foreigners judge Pakistan through Overseas Pakistanis, he said.

Overseas Pakistani, Raja Akram Minhas said that they send remittances, which fills the gap between imports and exports, adding that the security situation was a big concern for Overseas Pakistanis.

“5 million votes of Overseas Pakistanis will play an important role in upcoming elections,” he said.

However, he said that Overseas Pakistanis were perturbed because of land grabbers. “We don’t get possession of our land. On the other hand, courts do not decide cases. Proper legislation is needed to provide protection to investments of Overseas Pakistanis,” he said.

Masood Khan who came from the USA complained that treating dual nationals like second class citizens had disappointed Overseas Pakistanis.

“PIA generates 77 per cent revenue from Overseas Pakistanis and we also play a vital role in development of the country,” he said.