PM Shehbaz Sharif to unveil incentives package at Overseas Pakistanis Convention

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to unveil an incentives package for overseas Pakistanis on Tuesday, sources said. The package includes tax cuts on imported vehicles and permission to bring more than one imported phone through airports.

The government will also introduce dedicated immigration counters at all international airports to recognize and facilitate overseas Pakistanis.

In August 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced several initiatives aimed at supporting overseas Pakistanis. These included resolving property issues, allocating a 10% quota for overseas Pakistanis in public sector housing projects, offering financial incentives, and reserving 5% of seats for their children in professional public sector educational institutions. Additionally, need-based and merit scholarships for higher education were introduced.

In February 2025, the prime minister directed the immediate restoration of the Green Channel to streamline immigration and customs processes for overseas Pakistanis.

The Pakistani government is hosting the inaugural Overseas Pakistanis Convention at the Convention Centre in Islamabad, with more than 500 participants from various countries.

The two-day event, which began Monday with a ceremonial recitation of the Holy Quran, the national anthem, and chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” aims to honor the contributions of overseas Pakistanis and strengthen their engagement in national development.

Dignitaries, including National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, federal ministers, Pakistani diplomats posted abroad, and key figures from various sectors, are attending the convention. Participants have been accorded the status of state guests.

In his inaugural address, Syed Qamar Raza, chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to announce a special package for overseas Pakistanis during his keynote speech.

The convention celebrates the significant role overseas Pakistanis play in Pakistan’s economy through remittances and investments. It also provides a platform for them to voice concerns and share proposals with policymakers.

Many attendees expressed optimism about the government’s direction, hoping recent initiatives will unlock new investment opportunities and deepen their ties to the homeland. They reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s growth and prosperity.

Information Minister Atta Tarar lauded the global contributions of overseas Pakistanis, calling them “the pride and crown jewels of the nation.” He highlighted their annual multi-billion-dollar remittances and emphasized their vital role in national development and economic stability.