Islamabad, April 15, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at supporting overseas Pakistanis, announcing the revival of the Green Channel and several new initiatives to streamline services, resolve legal issues, and enhance educational and professional opportunities for expatriate families.
Speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention held in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing longstanding grievances of the Pakistani diaspora. He announced that the Green Channel — designed to expedite customs clearance and provide fast-track services for overseas Pakistanis — will be reactivated within the next few weeks to facilitate smoother entry and exit at Pakistani airports.
Highlighting the importance of overseas Pakistanis in nation-building, Shehbaz stated, “Our brothers and sisters living abroad are our greatest ambassadors and key contributors to the economy. It is our duty to ensure they are treated with dignity and their challenges are addressed swiftly.”
To provide speedy justice, Shehbaz announced the establishment of special courts in Islamabad specifically for cases involving overseas Pakistanis. He said similar courts are being set up in Punjab, and other provinces will be encouraged to adopt the same model. In addition, e-recording of evidence through video link and e-filing of cases will now be enabled through Pakistan’s missions abroad, making legal processes more efficient and accessible.
Responding to demands from overseas Pakistanis, Shehbaz declared a 5% quota for their children in federal universities and a 15% quota in medical colleges, potentially benefitting thousands. Furthermore, 5,000 children of overseas Pakistanis will be offered vocational and skill development training to enhance employability.
Shehbaz also instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to recognize overseas Pakistanis as filers in business and banking matters. Special FBR desks have already been set up in Punjab and Balochistan, with plans to expand to other regions.
Acknowledging the crucial role of Pakistani expatriates in the national economy, Shehbaz announced that fifteen distinguished overseas Pakistanis will be awarded civil honors annually on August 14. He also revealed plans for a new international airport in Mirpur, responding to a long-pending request from overseas communities, especially those based in the UK.
Shehbaz concluded by urging overseas Pakistanis to stand united against misinformation campaigns targeting Pakistan’s armed forces and instructed Pakistan’s diplomatic staff to treat all overseas citizens with utmost respect and priority.