Punjab launches new framework to resolve overseas Pakistanis’ complaints

The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) signed a landmark agreement on Saturday to streamline the handling of complaints by overseas Pakistanis involving property disputes, financial fraud, and abuse of authority.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Lahore by Mohammad Mustafa Haider, Director General (Welfare & Services) of OPF, and Abdul Hannan, Senior Superintendent of Police (Administration) of CCD.

The agreement outlines a framework for strategic cooperation between the two agencies to ensure timely, transparent, and efficient resolution of complaints.

According to the MoU, OPF will manage the intake of complaints, maintain a database, provide supporting documents for investigations, and appoint a focal person to coordinate with CCD.

In turn, CCD will be responsible for conducting investigations, initiating legal action where necessary, and sharing regular updates with OPF.

The agreement also calls for setting up facilitation desks for overseas Pakistanis at CCD offices and integrating a complaints dashboard with the Pakistan Citizen Portal and the Chief Minister's Complaint Cell to enable direct routing of cases.

Both parties have agreed to maintain confidentiality and ensure fairness and integrity throughout the process. Regular coordination meetings will be held to monitor progress and address challenges in real time.

“This MoU reflects our commitment to protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis,” said Mohammed Afzaal Bhatti, Managing Director of OPF.

“Partnering with CCD creates an efficient, transparent system to address their grievances, fostering trust in our institutions.”

Sohail Zafar Chattha, Director General of CCD, said, “CCD is dedicated to safeguarding overseas Pakistanis through rigorous investigations and legal action. This collaboration ensures their concerns are addressed promptly and justly.”

The agreement marks a significant step in inter-agency cooperation aimed at restoring the confidence of millions of Pakistanis living abroad.