Overseas Convention Aims to Strengthen Ties with Diaspora: Ch Salik

News Desk

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced on Friday that Pakistan is organizing its first-ever Overseas Pakistani Convention as a confidence-building initiative aimed at enhancing engagement with the diaspora community.

In an interview with a private news channel, the minister said the convention reflects the government’s recognition of the crucial role overseas Pakistanis play in the country’s development.

“Overseas Pakistanis have long remained under-recognized despite their significant global contributions. They are not just citizens living abroad—they are an integral part of our national identity and progress,” he emphasized.

He added that various public sector institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Passport Directorate, and other relevant departments, will establish stalls at the event to directly address the concerns of overseas citizens.

Responding to a question about the event’s funding, the minister clarified that the government is not covering participants’ travel expenses. “Every attendee is paying for their own ticket. The misconception that public funds are being used is baseless. Even if they were, supporting our own people should not be a point of criticism,” he remarked.

Chaudhry Salik further stressed that the convention will remain strictly non-political. “This is not a political rally or promotional event. It is about national engagement and resolving issues that matter to our diaspora,” he said.

Highlighting his inclusive approach, the minister concluded, “I have made no distinctions based on political affiliations. For me, every overseas Pakistani matters.”